INS Dakar facts for kids
The INS Dakar was a special submarine that belonged to the Israeli Navy. It disappeared in the Mediterranean Sea in 1968. Before joining the Israeli Navy, it was part of the Royal Navy (the British navy) and was called the HMS Totem.
In January 1968, after some tests called sea trials (which are like practice runs for ships), the Dakar left Scotland. It was on its way to Israel. Sadly, the submarine never arrived. It was lost at sea with everyone on board, its entire crew.
Many years later, in 1999, the wreckage (what was left of the submarine) was found. It was located deep underwater between the islands of Cyprus and Crete. Even today, no one knows exactly why the Dakar sank.
In 1971, a special memorial was built to remember the submarine and its crew. This memorial is in a place called Gan HaNe'edarim. It is part of the National Military and Police cemetery at Mount Herzl in Jerusalem. A part of the submarine, its bridge (also known as the conning tower), was salvaged (carefully brought up from the sea). You can see it on display at the Israeli Naval Museum in Haifa.
Contents
The Mystery of the Dakar
The INS Dakar was a submarine that had a long history. It was built in 1943 during World War II. After the war, it was sold to Israel in 1965. The submarine was then updated and prepared for its new role in the Israeli Navy.
The Last Journey
On January 9, 1968, the Dakar began its journey from Scotland. It was a long trip across the sea to its new home in Israel. The submarine was supposed to arrive in Haifa on February 4, 1968.
On January 25, the Dakar sent its last message. It reported its position and everything seemed fine. After that, no more messages were received. The submarine simply vanished.
The Search and Discovery
When the Dakar didn't arrive, a huge search began. Ships and planes from many countries looked for the missing submarine. Despite all the effort, no trace of the Dakar was found at that time.
For over 30 years, the fate of the Dakar remained a mystery. Then, in 1999, a special search team found the wreckage. It was lying on the seabed, about 3,000 meters (almost 2 miles) deep. The discovery brought some answers, but the exact reason for the sinking is still unknown.
Remembering the Crew
The loss of the INS Dakar was a very sad event for Israel. All 69 crew members on board were lost. They are remembered as heroes who served their country.
Memorials and Museums
The memorial at Mount Herzl helps people remember the Dakar and its crew. It is a place where families and visitors can pay their respects. The salvaged bridge of the submarine at the Israeli Naval Museum is also an important reminder. It allows people to see a real part of the submarine and learn about its story.
Related pages
Images for kids
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The Dakar's emergency buoy at the Clandestine Immigration and Naval Museum in Haifa.
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The salvaged conning tower from Dakar outside Haifa's Naval Museum.
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A memorial for INS Dakar at Mount Herzl.
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Dakar Park in Giv'at Shmuel.
See also
In Spanish: INS Dakar para niños
