The shipwreck of the SS Montevideo Maru has been found off the coast of the Philippines

Researchers have found the wreck of the SS Montevideo Maru, a ship that Australians consider the largest maritime tragedy in the history of their country.

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Nearly 81 years after the sinking, researchers have successfully found the wreck of the Japanese ship SS Montevideo Maru. On July 1, 1942, off the coast of the Philippines, the transport vessel was sunk by the US. On its deck at the time were 1,060 prisoners. Among the casualties were 850 service members and 210 civilians from 14 countries.

The ship was sunk by the crew of the American submarine USS Sturgeon, who obviously did not realize that there were Allied prisoners on board.

The number and identity of those on board at the time of the sinking was not fully revealed until after the war ended. However, the exact location of the shipwreck remained a mystery until now.

The expedition team found the SS Montevideo Maru in the South China Sea after 12 days of searching. However, the entire search leading to finding the wreck took years and was the effort of many people from different countries. In the end, the wreck was located at a depth of more than 4,000 meters, inaccessible to divers.

The researchers do not plan to excavate any artifacts or human remains from the wreck. Instead, they want to focus on conducting a careful examination and documentation of the wreck.

At long last, the resting place of the lost souls of the Montevideo Maru has been found. We hope today’s news brings a measure of comfort to loved ones who have kept a long vigil. The extraordinary effort behind this discovery speaks for the enduring truth of Australia’s solemn national promise to always remember and honour those who served our country. This is the heart and the spirit of Lest We Forget – said Anthony Albanese, Australia prime minister.

The search for the Japanese vessel, which took more than a thousand lives to the depths, was led by the Silentworld Foundation and deep-sea exploration specialists from Fugro and supported by Australia’s Department of Defense.