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10h ago

Scientists Confirm Missing Bow of USS New Orleans on Pacific Seafloor

Strict confidentiality over the wreck’s coordinates ensures protection of sailors’ remains during ongoing deep-sea surveys

The bow of the USS New Orleans lies on the seafloor of Iron Bottom sound in the Solomon Islands.
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

  • An Ocean Exploration Trust ROV located a roughly 100-foot section of the USS New Orleans’ bow on July 6 at a depth of 2,214 feet near Guadalcanal
  • Researchers verified the wreckage using residual paint fragments and an engraved anchor during live analysis by hundreds of experts
  • The bow has been missing since November 1942 when a Japanese torpedo strike at the Battle of Tassafaronga severed the ship’s forward section and killed 182 crew members
  • Scientists documented extensive deep-sea coral and anemone communities on the wreck alongside accumulated modern plastic debris
  • The find came as part of a NOAA-funded, non-invasive archaeological survey of Iron Bottom Sound that runs through July 23 with exact site coordinates kept confidential