Trajectories of Post-trauma Stress Responses After a Submarine Accident

Submarines are challenging environments, where accidents, with fatalities, continue to occur. Nonetheless, available studies suggest low rates of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) following submarine-specific accidents. In September 2023, 7 sailors were washed overboard from a South African submarine, resulting in 3 fatalities. The surviving crew received immediate defusing and ongoing counselling. This study investigated the psychological impact of the accident, assessing post-trauma stress responses at 2 time points.

Mental health screenings at 7 weeks and 7 months post-accident involved 75 submariners (32 exposed and 43 non-exposed). Measures included sociodemographic information and mental health history, and psychological scales of adjustment, mood, and PTSDs. Data were examined using Chi-square, t-tests, and regression analyses.

At 7 weeks, 31% of the exposed group met criteria for adjustment disorder, and 19% for major depressive and PTSDs. Previous trauma exposure and family-work interface concerns were significant risk factors. By 7 months, most severe responses had resolved, except for 5 cases associated with pre-accident multiple recent losses or other psychosocial stressors.

Severe post-trauma stress responses declined significantly within 7 months. Early screening was useful to identify submariners requiring additional support and the later screening suggested that readiness assessments should extend beyond 6 months post-accident. The study highlighted the importance of early psychological support, and the protective roles of resilience and pre-accident mental health, in reducing poor outcomes in the event of accidents at sea.