Lost American Submarine From World War II Identified Off The Coast Of Japan

The remains of an American submarine that was lost during World War II are now known to have been found, according to the U.S. Navy. Press release On Thursday. 

It was found off the coast Hokkaido, Japan. Last year by a team led by Dr. Tamaki Ura from the University of Tokyo, the Naval History and Heritage Command (NHHC) identified the wreckage of the vessel as the USS Albacore (SS 218) – a submarine that was lost at sea on November 7, 1944. The Albacore was one 52-submarine lost during WWII, and it sank at minimum 10 enemy vessels. According To the NHHC. 

“Six of the ten enemy sinkings were enemy combatant ships, ranking her as one of the most successful submarines against enemy combatants during World War II,” The press release stated that. “The wreck represents the final resting place of Sailors that gave their life in defense of the nation and should be respected by all parties as a war grave.”

The Navy explained that Dr. Ura used a remote-operated vehicle to collect data and imagery about the submarine. However, his efforts were hampered due to strong currents and poor vision. This imagery allowed the NHHC’s underwater archaeological branch to identify the submarine by looking at modifications made to it before it set off on its final patrol. According to the Navy, these included a mast, an SJ Radar dish and a row a vent holes running along the superstructure. 

Naval History and Heritage Command confirmed that the wreck site off Hokkaido, Japan was USS Albacore (SS 218). pic.twitter.com/eYZZ7MxKug

— U.S. Naval History (@USNHistory). February 16, 2023

The Albacore departed Pearl Harbor, October 24, 1944. The submarine was refueled at Midway (an island in the North Pacific between Japan and the U.S.), four days later. The submarine was assumed to be lost when it did not return to Midway on December 12, and, despite all lookout efforts, the 21st had never seen or heard of it. According to Navy records, the Albacore hit a mine while submerged on November 7, 1944. According to the NHHC this incident was witnessed by a Japanese vessel. “much heavy oil and bubbles, cork, bedding and various provisions after the explosion.” 

“I know that he was lost somewhere off the coast of Japan,” William Bower II, the son of Lt. William Walter Bower – who was on the Albacore, CNN. “But to actually know the spot where the remnants of the submarine are is much more meaningful. That to me was a major step in having better closure for his life.”

William Bower II was two months old when the submarine went down. CNN He says he met his father through stories and photos and that he has developed relationships with other families who have lost loved one on the Albacore. His grandmother is his inspiration. “never fully recovered” From the news about her son. “And you know how grateful she would have been to have learned this,” He stated, “And my mother unfortunately did not learn as well. So, I’m just very grateful that someone in his family was able to learn his final resting place.”

According to the Navy press release, 11 patrols were conducted by the Albacore, which was commissioned in WWII. The ship earned nine battle stars and four Presidential Unit Citations. The U.S. considers the wreckage a war grave, and therefore it is protected by law.