Mapping of Second World War destroyer is deepest shipwreck dive ever
The wreckage of the USS Johnston is situated at a depth of about 6,500 metres (21,180 feet) in the Philippine Sea. It is the first time a full scope of the site has been mapped and filmed.
A U.S. navy destroyer that sunk in the Philippine Sea in the Second World War has been fully surveyed, and is considered to be part of the world's deepest dive for a shipwreck.
The wreckage of the USS Johnston is situated at a depth of about 6,500 metres (21,180 feet) in the Philippine Sea. It is the first time a full scope of the site has been mapped and filmed.
Caladan Oceanic reached the shipwreck on March 31, while its companion research vessel, the DSV Limiting Factor, surveyed the wreck, sitting more than 100 feet deeper than previous estimates.
The wreckage of the USS Johnston sits at a depth of 21,180 feet (about 6,500 metres) in the Philippine Sea. Photo: CNN.
SHIP SUNK DURING THE BATTLE OFF SAMAR
The Japanese navy sank the USS Johnston on Oct. 25, 1944 during the Battle off Samar. The fight was one of four on sea, which comprised the Battle of Leyte Gulf -- one of the largest in the history of naval combat and engagement, according to the US Naval History and Heritage Command (NHHC).
The USS Johnston was involved in the battle for 2.5 hours before it lost power and became surrounded by Japanese ships. The crew had to abandon ship as it then rolled over and sank.
Sam Cox, NHHC director told CNN that the new visuals of the shipwreck help the navy "put the spotlight on the heroism and history of its crew."
The USS Johnston was sunk during the Battle off Samar in 1944. Photo: U.S. Naval History and Heritage Command (NHHC).
Two of the three ships that accompanied the USS Johnston into the fight with the Japanese fleet also vanished, Carl Schuster, a former navy captain and Hawaii Pacific University instructor, told CNN.
Of the 327 crew members aboard the USS Johnston, 186 died.
"The discovery of the USS Johnston serves as yet another reminder of the heroism and sacrifice of that day in Leyte Gulf 77 years ago," said Schuster.
Thumbnail courtesy of CNN.
