From the Beginning…
After decades of unsuccessful searches, the wreckage of USS Indianapolis was found on the bottom of the Philippine Sea on August 19, 2017. A team of researchers led by billionaire Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen located the remains of the ship 18,044 feet below the sea. It’s been over 70 years since the ship sank during World War II.
A 5″/25 caliber anti-aircraft gun on the wreck of the USS Indianapolis. Photo By Navigea Ltd. R/V Petrel
The discovery actually brings some closure to one of the most tragic naval stories in US history. But as tragic as it was, the story is also deeply inspiring and worthy of reflection. And you’ll see why soon. But we’re going to start from the beginning. It happened on the night of July 30th, 1945, two weeks before war was going to end. The ship was sailing from Guam to Leyte.