WWII Prisoners' Remains Sought from Sunken 'Oryoku Maru' Wreck

U.S. Navy divers are engaged in a challenging mission to recover the remains of hundreds of Americans from the sunken wreck of the "Oryoku Maru" in Subic Bay, Philippines. The Japanese vessel was notoriously used to transport Allied prisoners of war during World War II, and its sinking left many behind.

Petty Officer 1st Class Taylor Lucas described the difficult conditions, working nearly 25 meters underwater inside the shattered remains of the ship. He navigated through mud, wood, and steel in near-total darkness, where visibility was so poor that a flashlight was useless.

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Petty Officer 1st Class Taylor Lucas found himself nearly 25 meters below the water. He was swimming inside the wreck of a Japanese liner that had been used to transport captured soldiers and sailors during World War II.

The recovery operation is complex, aiming to bring closure to families and honor the memory of those lost. The state of the wreck, damaged during wartime, presents significant obstacles for the divers. The murky waters further complicate the search, requiring meticulous and painstaking work.

This mission highlights the enduring efforts to account for missing service members and retrieve them, even decades after the conflict's end. The dedication of the U.S. Navy divers underscores the commitment to recovering and repatriating the remains of fallen soldiers.

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In the darkness, the U.S. Navy diver dug his way through mud, wood, and steel. The water was so murky that he could not use a flashlight.