RV Petrel discovers the IJN Flagship AKAGI and Aircraft Carrier KAGA

The Japanese aircraft carrier IJN Kaga, part of the six-fleet carrier that launched planes that attacked Pearl Harbor in 1941, has been discovered by RV Petrel on October 18th and just a few hours ago RV Petrel announced the discovery of the Japanese Flagship Akagi. The Akagi was found circa 18 nm from the Kaga.

After the RV Petrel and its crew spent several weeks surveying the massive area, documenting more than 500 square nautical miles within the Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument, the Japanese Aircraft Carrier Kaga, has been located 5,400 meters below the surface of the Central Pacific.

Sonar of wreck of the IJN Akagi
Sonar of wreck of the IJN Akagi
Sonar of wreck of the IJN Akagi

Kaga was scuttled by the Japanese on June 4, 1942 during the Battle of Midway after being attacked by approximately 30 dive bombers and two torpedoes launched by the USS Nautilus. Realizing the damage was beyond repair on both the Kaga and Akagi, the escorting Japanese destroyers launched torpedoes at the carriers to keep it from falling in enemy hands. 814 souls were lost during the battle on the Kaga and 267 on the Akagi.

“This project is significantly different from previous missions as it required a level of investigation, analysis and survey of a carrier-based engagement initially separated by over 150nm, a total area covering thousands of square nautical miles,” said Robert Kraft, director of subsea operations for Vulcan Inc. “It was a major carrier-to-carrier battle that left its eerie evidence strewn for thousands of miles across the ocean floor. With each piece of debris and each ship we discover and identify, our intent is to honor history and those who served and paid the ultimate sacrifice for their countries.”

Source: Website and Facebookpage of RV Petrel.

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