On December 7, 1941, the Japanese launched a surprise attack on Pearl Harbor, a US naval base in Hawaii. The attack resulted in the sinking of eight battleships, three cruisers, and four submarines. Over 2,400 Americans were killed, and nearly 1,200 were wounded. The event is widely considered to be a turning point in American history, as it led to the United States’ direct involvement in World War II.
Despite being one of the most well-documented and highly publicized events in world history, mysteries surrounding the attack and its aftermath still remain. One of the most intriguing mysteries is the fate of the lost battleships and submarines of Pearl Harbor.
The fate of the Japanese submarine that sparked the attack on Pearl Harbor, the I-16, remains unknown. The I-16 was one of five Japanese submarines that were deployed to the waters near Pearl Harbor to provide reconnaissance for the upcoming attack. On December 7, 1941, the I-16 fired torpedoes at the USS Curtiss, but missed their target.
The submarine was then chased by several US Navy ships but managed to escape. It was last seen heading west toward Japan, but it is unclear what happened to the vessel after that. Some speculate that the I-16 may have been sunk by a US submarine or aircraft, but there is no concrete evidence to support this theory.
The USS Arizona is perhaps the most famous battleship lost during the attack. The ship was hit by several bombs and sank quickly, killing 1,177 crew members. Today, the USS Arizona Memorial stands over the submerged remains of the ship, which still leaks oil into the water.
Moreover, efforts have been made in recent years to use advanced technologies to study the ship and its contents in order to better understand the environmental impact of the oil leak. Despite the fact that the ship still leaks oil into the water, no one is sure exactly how much oil is left inside the wreck. In recent years, efforts have been made to use advanced technologies to study the ship and its contents in order to better understand the environmental impact of the oil leak.
Another battleship lost during the attack was the USS Oklahoma. The ship was hit by multiple torpedoes and capsized, trapping over 400 crew members inside. Many of the crew were eventually rescued, but 429 sailors and Marines perished. The ship was eventually righted and towed to the United States, but it was deemed too damaged to be repaired and was sold for scrap in 1946.
The USS Utah was another battleship lost during the attack. The ship was hit by torpedoes and capsized, killing 64 crew members. The ship was eventually righted but was deemed too damaged to be repaired and was used as target practice by the Navy.
In addition to the battleships, four submarines were also lost during the attack. The USS Tautog was moored in the harbor and suffered minor damage but was able to participate in the war effort. The USS Cachalot was out to sea during the attack and was not damaged. The USS Narwhal was also out to sea and was able to participate in the war effort. However, the USS Dolphin was moored in the harbor and was severely damaged, causing it to be decommissioned.
Despite the loss of so many ships, much of the wreckage has been accounted for and studied. However, some mysteries still remain. One such mystery is the whereabouts of the USS Utah’s bell. The bell was removed from the ship before it was used for target practice, but its current location is unknown. Many believe that it was taken as a souvenir by a member of the crew or a visitor to the site.
The fate of the lost submarines also remains something of a mystery. While the USS Tautog, Cachalot, and Narwhal were able to participate in the war effort, the fate of the last submarine, the USS Dolphin, is more uncertain. After being decommissioned, the Dolphin was used for target practice and sank in the Pacific Ocean in 1968. However, rumors persist that the submarine was actually sunk intentionally by the Navy to dispose of classified materials that were still on board.
The lost battleships and submarines of Pearl Harbor serve as a reminder of the bravery and sacrifice of those who served during World War II. They also highlight the ongoing efforts to study and preserve the history of the attack and its aftermath.
In recent years, there have been efforts to use advanced technologies such as 3D scanning and sonar mapping to create detailed digital models of the lost ships and submarines. These models can be used to better understand the structural integrity of the wrecks and to plan for their preservation.
There are also ongoing efforts to search for the missing USS Utah bell and to monitor the environmental impact of the oil leak from the USS Arizona. These efforts not only honor the memory of those who lost their lives in the attack, but they also contribute to our understanding of this pivotal moment in American history.
In conclusion, the lost battleships and submarines of Pearl Harbor represent a significant chapter in the history of World War II and continue to intrigue historians and enthusiasts alike. While many mysteries remain, ongoing efforts to study and preserve these wrecks serve as a testament to the bravery and sacrifice of those who served during this tumultuous time in our history.
