Microsoft co-founder locates WWII ship lost 72 years ago

Microsoft co-founder and billionaire Paul Allen confirmed on Saturday that they have located the USS Indianapolis 72 years after it sunk.



In a tweet, Allen confirmed that his 13-person team found the heavy cruiser in the Philippine Sea 5,500m below the sea.

We've located wreckage of USS Indianapolis in Philippine Sea at 5500m below the sea. '35' on hull 1st confirmation: https://t.co/V29TLj1Ba4 pic.twitter.com/y5S7AU6OEl

— Paul Allen (@PaulGAllen) August 19, 2017

The USS Indianapolis sunk on July 30, 1945 with 1,197 sailors and Marines onboard when a Japanese submarine torpedoed the ship. Only 316 people were rescued and as many as 900 crewmen died waiting for help.

PHOTO: US National Archive/ Reuters

“To be able to honour the brave men of the USS Indianapolis and their families through the discovery of a ship that played such a significant role in ending World War II is truly humbling,” Allen said in a statement.



“As Americans, we all owe a debt of gratitude to the crew for their courage, persistence and sacrifice in the face of horrendous circumstances. While our search for the rest of the wreckage will continue, I hope everyone connected to this historic ship will feel some measure of closure at this discovery so long in coming.”

In March 2015, an Allen expedition team discovered the remains of the Japanese battleship Musashi, and this past March his team found the Artigliere, a World War II destroyer.