The site of what is arguably the deepest known shipwreck has been found.
The World War 2 escort destroyer USS Samuel B. Roberts was lost during the Battle of Samar and has been found 6,895 meters/~4.28 miles below the ocean.
The ship was commissioned in 1944 and sank that same year. She was the first named in honor of Navy Coxswain Samuel B. Roberts, who was killed during the battle of Guadalcanal in 1942. He was awarded the Navy Cross posthumously. Of the crew of 210 onboard, 90 perished during the battle and sinking.
The wreck was found by a team from Caladan Oceanic and retired naval officer and underwater explorer Victor Vescovo. The team not only located it but explored the wreck using the deep-diving submersible Limiting Factor.
In a statement on Twitter, Vescovo said:
“With sonar specialist Jeremie Morizet, I piloted the submersible Limiting Factor to the wreck of the Samuel B. Roberts (DE 413). Resting at 6,895 meters, it is now the deepest shipwreck ever located and surveyed. It was indeed the ‘destroyer escort that fought like a battleship.’”
While Naval History and Heritage Command Director Samuel Cox said:
“USS Samuel B. Roberts was lost in one of the most valiant actions in the history of the U.S. Navy. The gallantry of her crew serves to inspire U.S. Navy personnel today, knowing they are entrusted with upholding the legacy and example of this ship and crew. The site of the wreck marks the location of a hallowed war grave. It serves to remind all Americans of the great cost born by previous generations for the freedom we should not take for granted today.”
Check out a video of the discovery below.
