In 1951, the USS Independence deliberately sunk off the coast of San Francisco. Yesterday, a group of researchers began their dive to investigate the wreckage and film it.
Photo: Live Science
The best part about this investigation is that you will be able to watch it from the comfort of your own home. The live broadcast began on August 22nd, between 7 and 9 PM ET. Check out the live broadcast at Nautilus Live.
Just last year, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration began mapping the area acoustically. The acoustic mapping has revealed that the flight deck and hull are still visible. Experts are also speculating that a plane might still be located on ship.
The mysterious USS Independence operated during World War II between 1942 and 1945. It wasn’t long until this ship became one of the 90 vessels to take part in the Bikini Atoll atomic bomb tests in 1946. The ship was damaged by a series of shock waves and radiation, but was still able to return to the United States. Over the years, decontamination studies were still taking place on the Independence. However, on January 26th, 1951 the ship was carried out to the sea.
Researchers are attempting to investigate the ships ecosystem. Specifically, they would like to understand the living conditions for the deep-sea coral and sponges that inhabit the ship. This investigation will help experts understand ocean acidification for future studies. The expedition will span over the next four months in the eastern Pacific Ocean.
In the meantime, watch as the team begins their miraculous underwater investigation of the USS Independence.