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Remains of USS New Orleans’ Bow Found and Identified in Iron Bottom Sound

Discovered on July 6 at 2,214 feet, the bow’s paint and anchor details authenticated its identity, guiding new preservation efforts.

During the November 1942 Battle of Tassafaronga offshore of Guadalcanal, USS New Orleans was hit by a Japanese ‘Long Lance’ torpedo
Image
A huge portion of the USS New Orleans' bow blew off after being struck by a Japanese torpedo in 1942.
The cruiser USS New Orleans is seen in dry dock in Sydney, Australia, on February 3, 1943 as crew are clearing away wreckage left after a Japanese torpedo severed its bow.

Overview

  • The Ocean Exploration Trust’s Nautilus expedition located the USS New Orleans’ severed bow on July 6 at a depth of 2,214 feet in Iron Bottom Sound.
  • Researchers authenticated the wreckage using flecks of original paint alongside an engraved anchor, confirming its link to the cruiser torpedoed during the 1942 Battle of Tassafaronga.
  • A 21-day NOAA-funded survey uses uncrewed surface vessels alongside remotely operated vehicles to document cultural heritage sites without disturbing the wrecks.
  • Exact coordinates of the bow remain secret to protect the site as a potential war grave and preserve its integrity.
  • The discovery renews plans for new museum exhibits and highlights the role of maritime archaeology and cross-disciplinary collaboration in preserving WWII heritage.