How Many Sailors Died On The Uss Indianapolis

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The USS Indianapolis: From Delivering Nukes to Facing Jaws (the Real Ones)

The USS Indianapolis wasn't your average Joe of a ship. This heavy cruiser was a champion, having served in the Pacific during World War II. But buckle up, because her story takes a turn for the terrifying, and let's just say it involves some unwelcome guests with lots of teeth.

How Many Sailors Died On The Uss Indianapolis
How Many Sailors Died On The Uss Indianapolis

Top-Secret Delivery: The Nuke Taxi Service

First things first, the Indianapolis had a vital role. In July 1945, she became an atomic Uber, secretly delivering parts for the bomb that would be dropped on Hiroshima. Yep, you heard that right. This ship was basically a floating "deliver nuke safely, don't ask questions" kind of deal.

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A Fishy Demise: Sayonara, Indianapolis

Mission accomplished, the Indianapolis was headed to the Philippines for some R&R. But hold on, here comes the plot twist! On July 30th, 1945, a Japanese submarine decided to play party pooper and launched a surprise torpedo attack. The mighty Indianapolis sank in just 12 minutes!

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Man vs. Ocean (and Also Sharks): Swimming with the Wrong Crowd

Now, here's where things get wild. Around 900 sailors ended up in the water, facing a foe far worse than any Japanese soldier: sharks. These weren't your friendly cartoon sharks with bad breath, these were the real deal – the kind that view humans as a tasty snack.

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Imagine floating for days, dehydrated, injured, and constantly worried about becoming lunch for a freaking shark. Not exactly a relaxing post-nuke-delivery vacation.

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A Long-Awaited Rescue: Finally, Land Ahoy!

Thankfully, after four long days, help arrived. Unfortunately, by then, many sailors had succumbed to exposure, injuries, or those pesky sharks. In the end, only 316 brave souls survived.

The sinking of the USS Indianapolis remains one of the worst naval disasters in US history. It's a story of heroism, resilience, and let's be honest, some seriously bad luck.

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So, How Many Sailors Died on the USS Indianapolis?

The exact number is tough to pinpoint, but estimates suggest that around 800 sailors perished after the sinking.

Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ: USS Indianapolis Shark Attack Edition

How to avoid becoming shark bait (hypothetically speaking):

  1. Stay in a group: Sharks are less likely to attack a large group.
  2. Don't panic: Flailing about attracts attention (and maybe a hungry shark).
  3. Fight back (if you can): If a shark gets close, punch it in the snout (seriously!).
  4. Stay hydrated: Dehydration makes you weaker and easier prey.
  5. Maybe avoid top-secret nuke deliveries in shark-infested waters? Just a thought.
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Quick References
TitleDescription
indymca.orghttps://www.indymca.org
bizjournals.comhttps://www.bizjournals.com/indianapolis
census.govhttps://www.census.gov/quickfacts/indianapoliscityindiana
hoosierhistorylive.orghttps://www.hoosierhistorylive.org
weather.govhttps://www.weather.gov/ind

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