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5d ago

Researchers Confirm USS New Orleans’ Lost Bow in Iron Bottom Sound

Live ROV dives have confirmed the heavily encrusted bow section with modern debris; its coordinates remain secret to preserve the site as an underwater heritage and war grave.

During the November 1942 Battle of Tassafaronga offshore of Guadalcanal, USS New Orleans was hit by a Japanese ‘Long Lance’ torpedo
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.
The USS New Orleans is seen In English waters, about June 1934.

Overview

  • A nearly 100-foot bow segment from the USS New Orleans was discovered on July 6 by an Ocean Exploration Trust ROV at 2,214 feet in Iron Bottom Sound.
  • Paint fragments and an engraved anchor enabled specialists to positively identify the wreckage as the lost bow from the cruiser torpedoed in the 1942 Battle of Tassafaronga.
  • Live expert collaboration and noninvasive imaging during the 21-day Nautilus expedition have documented marine encrustations and modern debris clinging to the structure.
  • Exact site coordinates are being kept confidential to safeguard the bow and surrounding wrecks as protected underwater heritage sites and war graves.
  • The ongoing survey, funded by NOAA Ocean Exploration, will continue through July 23 to map and record cultural remains without disturbing the seafloor.