Wreck of 'Ghost Ship of the Pacific' Found Off California

The wreck of the U.S. Navy destroyer DD-224, known as the "Ghost Ship of the Pacific," has been rediscovered off the coast of California, approximately 70 miles northwest of San Francisco. This ship was notable for being the only U.S. Navy destroyer captured by Japanese forces during World War II. The discovery was made by autonomous underwater drones operated by Ocean Infinity, which scanned nearly 50 square miles of ocean floor. The wreck, located 3,500 feet deep in the Cordell Bank National Marine Sanctuary, is remarkably well-preserved and covered in marine growth, making it one of the best-preserved examples of a U.S. Navy "four-piper" destroyer. The find underscores the advancements in underwater exploration technology, which is crucial for marine archaeology and mapping the ocean floor. The ship's history includes being sunk in 1942, raised by the Japanese, and later recommissioned by the U.S. Navy before being sunk again in 1946. The recent mapping efforts have provided a comprehensive view of the area, concluding an eight-decade story of the vessel that symbolizes the human connection to naval history.

- The wreck of DD-224, captured by Japan in WWII, was found using autonomous underwater drones.

- The ship is located in the Cordell Bank National Marine Sanctuary and is well-preserved.

- Ocean Infinity's technology demonstrates significant advancements in underwater exploration.

- The ship's history includes being sunk, raised, and then sunk again by the U.S. Navy.

- The discovery contributes to marine archaeology and enhances understanding of the ocean floor.