Key takeaways:
- Explorers have discovered the wreck of the Montevideo Maru, a Japanese ship that was transporting Allied prisoners of war when it was torpedoed off the coast of the Philippines in 1942.
- The wreck was located at a depth of over 13,120 feet off Luzon island in the South China Sea.
- The Silentworld Foundation is now working with the Australian government to ensure that the site is protected and respected, and to create a memorial to commemorate the lives lost in the tragedy.
A team of explorers have announced the discovery of the wreck of the Montevideo Maru, a Japanese ship that was transporting Allied prisoners of war when it was torpedoed off the coast of the Philippines in 1942. This resulted in Australia’s largest maritime wartime loss, with a total of 1,080 lives lost.
The wreck was located after a 12-day search at a depth of over 13,120 feet — deeper than the Titanic — off Luzon island in the South China Sea, using an autonomous underwater vehicle with in-built sonar.
The Silentworld Foundation, a not-for-profit dedicated to maritime archaeology and history, said in a statement Saturday that no efforts will be made to remove artifacts or human remains out of respect for the families of those who died.
The discovery of the Montevideo Maru is a significant moment in Australia’s history, and a reminder of the tragic losses suffered during the war. It is hoped that the discovery of the wreck will bring closure to the families of those who lost their lives.
The Silentworld Foundation is now working with the Australian government to ensure that the site is protected and respected. They are also working to create a memorial to commemorate the lives lost in the tragedy.
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