Missing WWII-Era Shipwreck Finally Found In Waters Off Hawaii
After years of searching, researchers have finally found the missing wreckageNorthwestern Hawaiian islands
The wreckage of the USNS Mission San Miguel was discovered on August 3 by marine researchers aboard the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration vessel Hi’ialakai, it was revealed Friday.
The 524-foot U.S. Navy tankerhitting Maro Reef at full speed 
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“Over the years people have searched for it. And you would expect that it wouldn’t be that hard to find. But in fact we got really lucky
Since 2006, the area surrounding the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands, including Maro Reef, has been protected as part of the Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monumentas many as 60 shipwrecks
In addition to looking for the ship, researchers aboard the NOAA expedition were also working on mapping and assessing coral reefs
“I had to stare at it for a little bit,” Rebecca Weible, a marine biology student who was one of the first divers to spot the wreck, told Hawaii News Now. “I started freaking out underwater
The ship was found lying on its side, 80 feet below the surface and nestled in a protected sandy area between reefs. Even the steering wheel remains attached
The wreck is now a thriving artificial reef and will be left where it sank to be mapped and studied by divers.
“[The tanker] is the newest star
Below, more photos and video of the amazing discovery:
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