Explorers discover the naval ships for a long time of the Guadalcanal battles of the Second World War

A new investigation revealed and mapped 13 wrecks of the Second World War. The mission combined archeology, technology and memory.

An international team led by the Ocean Exploration Trust, working on the exploration ship (E / V) Nautilus, carried out a vast archaeological investigation on the sinking of the Second World War in the iron sound, completed on August 1, 2025.

During the 22 -day shipment, the crew visually identified and examined 13 wreck sites, many of which have a major historical significance. Four of the ships were recorded for the first time, including the bow section of the Heavy USS New Orleans (CA 32) and the Japanese destructive Imperial Teruzuki, both lost during ferocious naval clashes in the Guadalcanale campaign.

The other ships interviewed in high resolution include:

• USS Vincennes (approximately 44)
• USS Astoria (CA 34)
• USS QUINCY (CA 39)
• USS Northampton (CA 26)
• USS Laffey (DD 459)
• USS Dehaven (DD 469)
• USS Preston (DD 379)
• USS Walke (DD 416)
• HMAS CANBERRA (D33)
• Destroyer of the Imperial Japanese Navy Yudachi
• and an unidentified landing barge.

Document history with new technologies

“It was wonderful to return to Iron Bottom Sound, where we discovered Japanese, Australian and American warships over 34 years ago,” said Dr. Robert Ballard, president of Ocean Exploration Trust. “This shipment was special, allowing us to film these sites in a way not possible at the time, as well as to document other ships, while sharing our live work with the whole world.”

The shipment was based on advanced underwater robotics, including remote vehicles exploited (ROVS) launched from Nautilus and an unixed surface ship (USV) called Drix, which was controlled remotely from a land station in Honiara. Developed by the University of New Hampshire, the Drix system has mapped more than 1,000 square kilometers of seabed, creating the most detailed graphics of the ever -produced iron sound and pinching dozens of potential wreck sites.

“The use of our unrelated ship has enabled a considerable increase in the efficiency of exploration, because we were able to continue and continuously identify potential targets while the Nautilus deployed its ROVs,” said Dr. Larry Mayer, director of the Center for Coastal and Ocean Mapping at the University of New Hampshire. “This technological achievement, combined with the enormous historical meaning of our discoveries, made this most rewarding missions in which I have never participated.”

Remember GuadalCanal battles

Iron Bottom Sound, located between the Guadalcanal Islands, Savo and Nggela, was the site of five main naval battles combat between August and December 1942. The campaign claimed more than 111 ships and 1,450 planes, with more than 20,000 lost lives, and many wrecks of battles remain unveiled.

“”Noaa Ocean Exploration is dedicated to Increasing Our Understanding of the Deep Ocean Through Scientific Discovery, Technological Advancements, and Data Delivery, “Said Captain William Mowitt, Noaa Corps, Acting Director of Noaa Ocean Exploration.“ This Expedition Highlights the Import Technologies and the Strong Partnership Component of the Ocean Exploration Cooperative Institute in Not Only Making Discoveries that Advance Science and Resource Management, But also Engaging and Educating the Public On The Wonders What lives in our Ocean Depths. »»

The mission broadcast more than 138 hours of live ROV dives on nautilive.org, allowing millions of viewers around the world – including veterans, descendants and historians – to follow exploration in real time. Thanks to telepresence technology, more than 130 experts from the United States, Japan, Australia, New Zealand and other nations have provided remote analysis and historical information throughout the operation.

Honor sacrifices and naval heritage

“This expedition was an excellent opportunity to remember the value and sacrifices of sailors who fought with tenacity and extreme skills, on both sides. Sailors do not start wars, but they do what their governments ask, and in the waters of the background sound, they have done their duty to the most. Admiral du Navy (retired). “This survey on the United States, Australia and Japan ships will add immeasurably to the understanding of one of the most expensive naval campaigns in history, a campaign that, hopefully, will never be repeated.”

“While we commemorate the 250th anniversary of the American Navy, it is completely appropriate that we explore the wrecks of Sound Iron Bottom,” said Frank Thompson, director of the Naval Division History and Heritage Command Management, who represented the Navy aboard E / V Nautilus. “Battles in these waters cost the American navy. Those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for their country can stay far from their home, but they are not and will never be forgotten. ”

“The vast majority of our ocean lies in very deep waters of which we know practically nothing,” said Dr. Daniel Wagner, chief scientist of the OET. “These explorations on the high seas highlight how many extraordinary things are still hidden and are waiting to be found in the great depths of our ocean.”

The Government of the Solomon Islands has issued the maritime research permit through its Ministry of Education and Human Resources Development.

Never miss a breakthrough: join the Scitechdaily newsletter.