See main article: Oberon-class submarine. The submarine, built by Vickers Shipbuilding and Engineering at their shipyard in Barrow, was laid down on 18 November 1971, and launched on 22 November 1972.[1] During construction, a fire seriously damaged the submarine.[1] The submarine was towed to Chatham Dockyard, where the 60feet central section was cut out and replaced.[1] The fire was found to have originated in the cabling, and prompted the recabling of all under-construction Oberons.[2] She was commissioned into the Brazilian Navy on 10 December 1977.[2]
Tonelero was listed as active in the 1998-99 edition of Jane's Fighting Ships.[2]
On 26 December 2000 the Tonelero sank at her mooring in the Rio de Janeiro navy yards due to crew error. All 9 crew members aboard escaped from the submarine.[3]