German submarine torpedo exploded during dismantling on Aruba according to the U.S. Joint Intelligence Committee. Daily summary dated 19 February 1942

Collectie NIMH 2000-807-002. Photo by Associated Press of a 18-foot torpedo beached at Aruba. The US officer at the right is captain Robert Bruskin, at the left a Dutch officer

An item reported that a German torpedo which beached herself on Aruba, Dutch West Indies exploded during the dismantling causing the death of 4 Dutch officers and wounding several other men. The J.I.C. commented “lives seem to have been unnecessarily sacrificed and important information about enemy weapons lost owing to work by hasty and inexperienced personnel.”

Source

Map Room Papers (Roosevelt Administration), 1942 - 1945. MR0423. U.S. Joint Intelligence Committee. Daily summary No. 71 dated 19 February 1942