A destroyer of the US Navy, which participated with a superior Japanese navy in the largest naval battle of World War II in the Philippines, has become the deepest shipwreck ever discovered, according to researchers.
The USS Samuel B Roberts, popularly known as “Sammy B,” was identified on Wednesday, breaking in two on a slope at a depth of 22,916 feet (6,985 m), or about four miles.
That makes it 1,400 feet deeper than the USS Johnston, the previous deepest wreck discovered last year in the Philippine Sea, also by US explorer Victor Veskovo, founder of the Dallas-based Caladan Oceanic Expeditions. He announced the latest find along with UK-based Eyos Expeditions.
Torpedoes from the remains of Sami B. Photo: Caladan Oceanic and Eyos Expeditions / AFP / Getty Images
“It was a great honor to discover this incredibly famous ship and thus have the chance to retell its story of heroism and duty to those who may not know about the ship and the victim’s crew,” Veskovo, a former Navy commander, said. in a statement.
Sammy B took part in the Battle of Samar, the last phase of the Battle of Leyte Bay in October 1944, in which the Japanese Imperial Navy suffered its greatest loss of ships and failed to displace US forces from Leyte, which invaded them more. early as part of the liberation of the Philippines.
The shipwreck pilot house. Photo: AP / Caladan Oceanic
According to some records, the destroyer disabled a Japanese heavy torpedo cruiser and significantly damaged another. After consuming almost all of her ammunition, she was critically struck by the flagship Yamato and sank. Of the 224-member crew, 89 were killed and 120 were rescued, including Captain Lieutenant Robert W. Copeland.
According to Samuel J. Cox, a retired admiral and naval historian, said Copeland said it was “no higher honor” then to lead men who had shown such incredible courage to battle against huge chances that could not be expected to survive.
“This site is a consecrated military tomb and serves to remind all Americans of the great price borne by previous generations for the freedom we take for granted today,” Cox said in a statement.
Researchers said that until the discovery, historical records of where the remains lay were not very accurate. The demand included the use of the deepest side-scan sonar ever installed and operating on a submersible submarine, far beyond the standard trade limits of 19,685 feet, Eios said.
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