Discovery Of WWII Montevideo Maru Wreck On Which Nearly 1,000 Australians Died
Discovery of WWII Montevideo Maru wreck, a Japanese ship sunk by an Allied submarine during World War II, has been found off the coast of the Philippines.
Tyrese GriffinApr 24, 202329 Shares458 Views
Discovery of WWII Montevideo Maru wreck, a Japanese ship sunk by an Allied submarine during World War II, has been found off the coast of the Philippines.
The ship was carrying about 1,100 Australian prisoners of war to Japan in July 1942 when it was hit by torpedoes, killing nearly 900 people on board.
Background And Significance Of The Discovery
The Montevideo Maru was a Japanese passenger and cargo ship, primarily used to transport supplies and personnel throughout the Pacific. During World War II, the ship was utilized to transport Allied prisoners of war to Japan for forced labor.
In July 1942, the ship was hit by torpedoes from an American submarine and sunk, killing almost all of the prisoners of war on board.
The discovery of the Montevideo Maru wreck after 80 years has significant implications for the families of the victims, many of whom have long sought closure and information about their loved ones' fate.
The finding may provide some answers and allow the families to honor and remember their loved ones appropriately.
WW2 shipwreck from Australia's worst maritime disaster SS Montevideo Maru found after 81 years
Importance Of The Discovery
The project was organized by the Silentworld Foundation, an Australian marine archaeology organisation, with assistance from Fugro, a Dutch deep-sea survey company.
An automated underwater vehicle (AUV) discovered the wreck at a depth of more than 4,000m (13,123ft), which is deeper than the Titanic wreck.
“„It's a war grave now, it's a tomb that must be treated with proper care.- Captain Roger Turner, a technical specialist
According to Captain Roger Turner, a technical specialist, the AUV went as near to the crash as 45m.
“„It was a moment of emotion to see the images of the ship, the closed hatch covers where prisoners were kept on the voyage.- Captain Roger Turner, a technical specialist
The discovery of the Montevideo Maru is an essential step in honoring the memory of those who lost their lives and shedding light on the horrors of war.
The Japanese government kept detailed records of the ship's sinking and the prisoners of war on board, but the information was not released until the 1970s.
The discovery of the wreck may provide new insight into the circumstances surrounding the ship's sinking and the treatment of prisoners of war during World War II.
International Response And Acknowledgment
The discovery of the Montevideo Maru has garnered international attention and recognition, with several countries expressing their condolences and support for the families of the victims.
Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison has commented on the discovery, stating that it is a "sobering reminder of the cost of war." Japanese officials have also expressed their condolences and offered their assistance in the identification of the victims' remains.
Final Words
The discovery of the Montevideo Maru wreck is a significant step in recognizing the sacrifice of those who lost their lives during World War II.
The families of the victims may finally be able to find some closure and honor their loved ones properly.
The international response to the discovery highlights the importance of remembering the horrors of war and the need to work towards peace and reconciliation.
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