A section of the USS New Orleans, a historic warship, was recently located on the Pacific ocean floor, almost 83 years after it was lost during World War II due to torpedo strikes.
This 150-foot piece was found at a depth of about 2,214 feet near Iron Bottom Sound in the Solomon Islands while researchers were conducting subsea mapping. The discovery was publicly announced on Tuesday.
During their exploration, researchers noticed artifacts covered in marine growth, including fragments and engraved anchors still attached to the hull.
“Hundreds of experts worldwide viewed the images in real time and collaborated to identify what they found,” said Daniel Wagner, the Chief Scientist of the exploration trust, in a statement.
“This discovery showcases how science and technology can unite to accomplish a shared objective.”
The bow of the ship was lost on November 30, 1942, following a Japanese torpedo strike that tore off a third of the vessel, tragically resulting in the deaths of 182 crew members.
Remarkably, despite the damage, the remaining crew managed to keep the ship afloat and navigate it back to a nearby port for repairs. They even used coconut logs to help stabilize it enough for the journey back to the U.S.
“The circumstances could have easily led to the ship sinking, but the courageous actions of the crew ensured that USS New Orleans became the most heavily damaged US cruiser of the war to survive.”
Finding this section of the ship serves as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by the crew during one of the most harrowing nights in US Navy history.
