Runaway Torpedo Explosion
Tullibee arrived on her station off Palau for a fourth patrol on March 25, 1944. The next day, despite poor visibility in squally weather, she spotted a convoy of three freighters/troop carriers and three escorts. She made several approaches on the surface but was unable to see the targets. ... Since she had an acceptable fire control solution, she finally fired two torpedoes blind. A minute later, a tremendous explosion occurred. The single survivor, who was blown off the bridge, stated after the war that this was not due to any action by the escorts, since they were not in the vicinity. He was convinced that the explosion resulted from a circular run by one of Tullibee’s own torpedoes.
