Against All Odds: How Many Guys Made it Out of the USS Indianapolis Sharknado? (Spoiler Alert: Not That Many)
The USS Indianapolis, a ship that delivered a little package of doom (one of the atomic bombs that ended World War II), also delivered its crew straight into a watery nightmare. Yes, sharks were involved. Yes, it was a total bummer. But before we get into the nitty-gritty of how many brave sailors survived this aquatic horror story, let's set the scene.
Delivering the Boom: The Indianapolis had just dropped off the parts for the Hiroshima bomb. Party time, right? Wrong. Turns out interdimensional travel wasn't an option, so they had to sail back the old-fashioned way. Unfortunately, this traditional method also involved a hungry Japanese submarine captain with a serious case of the Mondays.
From Cruiser to Submarine Snack: BOOM! One torpedo later, the Indianapolis went from a majestic vessel to a rapidly sinking hunk of metal. Many sailors went down with the ship, but for the lucky (or perhaps unlucky?) ones who ended up in the water, a different kind of terror awaited.
QuickTip: Read with curiosity — ask ‘why’ often.
Shark Week: Extended Edition: The open ocean is no walk in the park, especially when you're surrounded by oceanic vacuum cleaners with a taste for sailor. Dehydration, exposure, and enough chompers to put Jaws to shame made for a truly unforgettable experience (for the survivors, at least).
So, How Many Guys Made It Out Alive? This is where things get a little grim. Out of a crew of roughly 1,200, only about 300 went down with the ship. The remaining 900? Well, let's just say they had a front-row seat to a marine buffet they didn't order. In the end, only 316 sailors survived.
Tip: Check back if you skimmed too fast.
The sinking of the Indianapolis remains one of the worst disasters at sea in U.S. Navy history. It's a story of bravery, resilience, and the unwavering determination to avoid becoming chum.
Tip: Skim once, study twice.
How Many Men Survived The Uss Indianapolis |
## How To FAQs:
How to Avoid Being Submarine Bait:
QuickTip: Save your favorite part of this post.
Don't join the Navy (during wartime, at least).
How to Survive a Sharknado (Except it Wasn't Really a Sharknado):
- Stick with a group: There's safety in numbers, especially when those numbers have fists and can make pointy objects out of anything.
- Stay hydrated (if you can): Saltwater is a great way to get dehydrated...fast.
- Don't panic (easier said than done): Flailing about attracts attention, and not the good kind (like rescue ships, but more like the pointy-toothed kind).
How NOT to Lose Your Crew in the Open Ocean:
- Maybe don't forget to report your location.
- Equipping your life rafts with snacks might be a good idea too.
How to Properly Dispose of Atomic Bombs:
This one is above our pay grade. Probably best to consult a qualified professional (like a scientist, not a magician).