"Long-standing Mystery Solved"... Japanese Transport Ship Carrying 1,060 Prisoners Found at 4,000m Depth

A Japanese transport ship that sank during World War II in 1942, carrying 1,060 prisoners from 14 countries including Australians, has been discovered 4,000 meters deep in the ocean after 81 years.

The Montevideo Maru ship photographed in 1941
[Image source=AFP Yonhap News]

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According to foreign media reports such as Australia's ABC and AFP on the 22nd (local time), the maritime archaeology organization 'Silentworld Foundation' located the sunken transport ship Montevideo Maru in the South China Sea, 4,000 meters deep northwest of Luzon Island, Philippines, on the 18th. After five years of preparation, the foundation began a full-scale search for the ship's location from the 6th. Thanks to advanced equipment including underwater autonomous exploration vehicles equipped with sonar, the exploration team was able to find the Montevideo Maru just 12 days into the search.

The Montevideo Maru sank on July 1, 1942, after being torpedoed by a U.S. submarine near the Philippine waters. At the time of sinking, the ship was carrying 1,060 prisoners from 14 countries, including 850 soldiers and 210 civilians, with 979 Australians being the largest group. It is known that the U.S. submarine was unaware that prisoners were on board the Montevideo Maru during the attack.

The sinking of the Montevideo Maru is considered the worst maritime disaster in Australian history. However, the exact location of the wreck had remained unknown for decades.

The foundation stated, "The sunken ship lies deeper than the Titanic, which sank in 1912," and added, "Out of respect for the bereaved families, we will not disturb the wreckage, including the remains."

Roger Turner, a submarine expert who has overseen the exploration project for years, told Australia's ABC, "We must refer to the Montevideo Maru not as a 'shipwreck' but as a 'grave.' This is a place where the souls of more than 1,100 people rest peacefully."

Upon news of the Montevideo Maru's discovery, many Australians, including relatives of the victims, expressed their emotions, saying, "This discovery has solved a long-standing mystery."

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said, "I hope this discovery can bring some comfort to the families of the victims who have been praying for a long time." Andrea Williams, who lost her grandfather and great-grandfather in the sinking, said, "Today is a very important day for Australians connected to this tragedy."

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