Propulsion while surfaced was provided by two Sulzer[1] 1,400 horsepower (1,044 kW) diesel engines and while submerged by two 1,000 horsepower (746 kW) electric motors, allowing speeds of 14 knots (26 km/h; 16 mph) on the surface and 9 knots (17 km/h; 10 mph) while submerged.

[1] In 1939, Ondine departed moved to Toulon, France, and began patrols in the Atlantic Ocean off the Canary Islands.

As German ground forces approached Cherbourg, Ondine — whose diesel engines had been removed and whose batteries were ashore — was towed to England on 18 June 1940.

[1] Ondine had only a few men aboard that day to maintain security, and the British seized her without resistance.

[1] Her enlisted personnel also joined the Free French Naval Forces and were dispersed among various ships.

To keep the Free French Naval Forces submarines Junon and Minerve operational, she was cannibalized for spare parts.