Watch reached for the button that would blow the tanks.

The Thresher wasn't designed to blow the tanks and hit the roof like later subs were.

"Nonetheless, the oil guys must be thinking someone blew the holding tanks up?"

I have to find a way back; blow the tanks, pull the cord; floor the throttle?

If he could blow the tanks and refill them with air it might give him some added buoyancy to get off the sandbar.

If we survive them, we'll blow the tanks, surface the boat, and abandon it.

More high pressure air was used to blow the remaining tanks, but again the attempt was unsuccessful.

"We only have air enough to blow the tanks once more," Nat Piper reminded.

HE lunged to blow the tanks and bring the submersible to the surface.

Then blow the tanks, bring the boat to the top and beach her.