Making History Come Alive Newsletter offers sinking of the USS Indianapolis during World War II a harrowing event that not only marked a significant moment in naval history

It also led to one of the most infamous shark attacks in recorded history. The story encompasses the tragic loss of the ship, the survival ordeal of its crew, and the subsequent shark attacks that claimed numerous lives. Here’s a comprehensive overview of the events surrounding the sinking of the USS Indianapolis and the shark attacks that followed.

The USS Indianapolis: Background

- Commissioning and Mission: The USS Indianapolis (CA-35) was a Portland-class heavy cruiser of the United States Navy, commissioned in 1932. It served with distinction in the Pacific Theater during World War II, participating in several key battles, including the Battle of the Philippine Sea and the Battle of Leyte Gulf.

- Final Mission: On July 16, 1945, the USS Indianapolis set sail on a top-secret mission to deliver components of the atomic bomb "Little Boy" to the island of Tinian, where it would later be used in the bombing of Hiroshima. After successfully completing this mission, the ship was en route to its next assignment when disaster struck.

The Sinking of the USS Indianapolis

- Attack by a Japanese Submarine: In the early hours of July 30, 1945, the USS Indianapolis was torpedoed by the Japanese submarine I-58. The attack struck the ship on its bow, causing a catastrophic explosion that severely damaged the cruiser. Within approximately 12 minutes, the ship sank, taking down with it 300 of the 1,196 crew members.

- Survivors in the Water: The remaining crew members who survived the sinking found themselves stranded in the open Pacific Ocean. They faced dire conditions, including exposure to the elements, dehydration, and injuries sustained during the sinking. Many of the survivors clung to pieces of debris, while others formed makeshift rafts.

The Shark Attacks

- Desperation and Survival: The situation for the survivors was grim. They were in shark-infested waters, and as time passed, their chances of rescue diminished. For nearly five days, the survivors endured extreme heat, thirst, and injuries, while also grappling with the psychological toll of their predicament.

- Shark Activity: The waters where the USS Indianapolis sank were known for their shark populations, including species such as the tiger shark and the great white shark.