So, the USS Indianapolis Took a Dive... Now What?
The USS Indianapolis, a ship that delivered parts for the atomic bombs that ended World War II, had a rough go of things itself. We all know it went down in a fiery mess thanks to a Japanese submarine, but what happened after the USS Indianapolis became an unplanned submarine itself? Buckle up, because this story's got more twists than a shipwreck survivor dodging sharks (which, spoiler alert, there were plenty of).
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| What Happened After The Uss Indianapolis |
From Sunsets to Sharkbait in 12 Minutes Flat
Yes, you read that right. On July 30th, 1945, the Indianapolis was sailing solo when a Japanese sub sent it to Davy Jones' Locker in a mere 12 minutes. The crew, blissfully unaware they were basically delivering world-ending fireworks, found themselves adrift in the Pacific with nothing but life rafts, their wits, and a healthy dose of "wait, what just happened?"
Tip: Take your time with each sentence.
Four Days of Fun in the Sun (Not Really)
Those 900 or so survivors (estimates vary) weren't exactly chilling on pool floats, sipping Mai Tais. Here's what their luxurious all-inclusive vacation entailed:
QuickTip: Focus on what feels most relevant.
- Exposure: The sun beating down like a grumpy drill sergeant wasn't exactly pleasant.
- Dehydration: Saltwater isn't the best beverage. News flash.
- Starvation: Snack bar selection was limited (think "fish eyeball surprise").
- Sharks: You know, nature's adorable underwater vacuum cleaners with a taste for sailor.
Fun fact: Due to the chaos of the sinking, many life rafts lacked proper shark-deterrence measures. Not ideal.
Tip: Break it down — section by section.
Rescue? More Like "Fashionably Late"
For four agonizing days, these guys bobbed around, becoming prime chum for any passing sea creature. Finally, a PBY Catalina flying boat spotted them. Unfortunately, these planes weren't exactly search and rescue specialists. Luckily, the pilot, Lieutenant Wilbur "Willie" Best, ignored protocol and radioed for help.
QuickTip: A careful read saves time later.
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Side note: Thanks, Willie! You're the real MVP.
The Aftermath: A Long Road to Recovery
Only 316 sailors survived the ordeal. The Navy faced criticism for the slow rescue effort, and there were questions about why the Indianapolis wasn't escorted by other ships. The captain of the Japanese sub, Mochitsura Hashimoto, was eventually tried as a war criminal but wasn't convicted for the attacks on survivors (yikes).
The Indianapolis story is a harrowing tale of survival, but it also highlights the importance of proper communication and preparation.
How To Not Get Eaten by Sharks (Probably Not Helpful on the High Seas, But Here You Go Anyway):
1. How to Avoid Sharks: Don't be in the water where sharks are. This might seem obvious, but hey, desperate times...2. How to Act if a Shark Approaches: Stay calm (easier said than done) and avoid splashing. Make eye contact and appear large.3. How to Fight Back Against a Shark: If the worst comes to worst, fight back with whatever you have. Punch, kick, jab it in the eyes (ouch).4. How to Survive a Shark Attack: Get out of the water as quickly and safely as possible. Apply pressure to any wounds.5. How to Not Become Shark Bait: Don't be the only person in the water. Sharks are attracted to movement and struggle.
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