Currently, our expedition is navigating through the Surigao Strait, heading towards the ocean battlefield off Samar in the Philippines. Our mission is to locate the wrecks of ships that sank during last year’s battle. This follows our successful discovery of the USS Johnston, the deepest shipwreck ever surveyed. Finding the Johnston was a monumental achievement, allowing us to honor its legendary commander, Captain Ernest Evans, and his crew. Now, we are shifting our focus to the Samar battlefield, aiming to uncover other wrecks from that intense conflict.
Searching for wrecks in the deep ocean is an arduous task. The vastness of the ocean complicates the process, and success is not guaranteed. Despite having around eight potential dive days, we face a 50% chance of not finding any wrecks. Our starting point involves analyzing historical records, particularly ship tracks that indicate where vessels might have been during the battle. These records help narrow down the search area, though the process remains laborious and uncertain.
Park Stevenson, a former US Navy lieutenant commander with extensive knowledge of naval history, is crucial to our efforts. His expertise extends beyond famous shipwrecks like the Titanic to include lesser-known US Navy wrecks.
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