Japanese Submarine Sinks the USS Indianapolis
72 Year Anniversary of the Sinking of the USS Indianapolis
Breaking News Story: USS Indianapolis
During World War II on July 30, 1945, the USS Indianapolis was torpedoed and sunk by the Japanese submarine I-58 just 12 days after delivering the atomic bomb components to Tinian Island, which would ultimately be used on Hiroshima, Japan.
The Japanese submarine fired six torpedoes just before midnight on July 30. Two of the six torpedoes struck the Indianapolis amidships, causing the ship to break in half and sink in just 12 minutes.
Of the 1,196 crew members on board, only 317 survived. The survivors spent 4 to 5 days in the water before being rescued.
Navy Cruiser Sunk by Japanese Submarine
The USS Indianapolis was a Portland-class heavy cruiser commissioned in 1932. During World War II, the USS Indianapolis served in the Pacific and was involved in several major battles, including the Battle of the Coral Sea and the Battle of Okinawa.
The loss of the USS Indianapolis was the single greatest loss of life in the history of the US Navy. The sinking of the USS Indianapolis has been the subject of much debate and controversy, with some accusing the Navy of negligence.
Remains of Indianapolis Crew Members Found
In 2017, a team of researchers led by Paul Allen, the co-founder of Microsoft, located the wreck of the USS Indianapolis in the Philippine Sea.
The discovery of the wreck has helped to shed new light on the sinking of the USS Indianapolis and has provided closure to many of the families of the victims.
Legacy of the USS Indianapolis
The USS Indianapolis is remembered as a symbol of the sacrifices made by the men and women who served in the US Navy during World War II.
The sinking of the USS Indianapolis is also a reminder of the importance of remembering the lessons of history and working to prevent future tragedies.
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