Autonomous Drones Rediscover USS Stewart, Ghost Ship of the Pacific
Ocean Infinity’s autonomous drone fleet has made a historic discovery by finding the USS Stewart, the only US Navy destroyer captured by Japanese forces during World War II. Resting 3,500 feet below the ocean’s surface in the Cordell Bank national marine sanctuary off the California coast, the 314-foot-long ship remains remarkably intact and upright after 78 years.
Maria Brown, superintendent for Cordell Bank and Greater Farallones national marine sanctuaries, described the USS Stewart as an exceptionally preserved example of a US Navy ‘four-piper’ destroyer. Its unique history includes being sunk, repaired, and reenlisted by Japanese forces during World War II, earning it the nickname “Ghost Ship of the Pacific.”
After its dramatic scuttling by the US Navy in 1946, the USS Stewart was lost to history until Ocean Infinity’s recent accidental discovery. The drones, originally intended for testing, quickly located the ship thanks to coordinates provided by a nonprofit organization. This breakthrough in ocean discovery signals a new era in maritime archaeology and exploration.
Jim Delgado of SEARCH, Inc. highlights the transformative impact of autonomous mapping drones on ocean exploration. Beyond uncovering lost shipwrecks like the USS Stewart, these technologies hold promise for various marine applications, from renewable energy projects to underwater infrastructure development.
[Related: The famous railing from ‘Titanic’ has broken off from Titanic.]
The rediscovery of the USS Stewart symbolizes a significant advancement in maritime archaeology, showcasing the power of cutting-edge technology in uncovering hidden historical treasures beneath the sea.
