WWII Ship Carrying Allied POWs Found After 80 Years
Discovery of the Montevideo Maru
In July 1942, an American submarine torpedoed a Japanese merchant ship, the Montevideo Maru, sinking it in just 10 minutes. Tragically, the ship was carrying over 1,000 Allied prisoners of war (POWs), mostly Australians. Unaware of the ship’s true nature, the Americans had no idea of the human catastrophe they had caused.
For more than eight decades, the final resting place of the Montevideo Maru remained a mystery. However, in April 2023, underwater searchers finally located the wreck off the coast of Luzon, the largest island in the Philippines.
Collaborative Search Effort
The discovery was the result of a collaborative effort between the Australian defense department, the nonprofit Silentworld Foundation, and Fugro, a Dutch company specializing in underwater surveys. Using an autonomous underwater vehicle equipped with sonar, searchers located the wreckage after 12 days of searching.
Significance of the Discovery
The discovery of the Montevideo Maru wreck is significant for several reasons. First, it brings closure to the families of the victims, who have waited for decades to know the fate of their loved ones. Second, it sheds light on a tragic event that has been largely forgotten by history. Third, it provides an opportunity to honor the memory of those who died.
Historical Context
At the time of its sinking, the Montevideo Maru was sailing from New Guinea, then an Australian territory, to Japanese-occupied Hainan in southern China. The ship was carrying Australian troops and civilians who had been captured by Japanese forces in Rabaul, a town on the island of New Britain.
After capturing Rabaul, the Japanese set up a camp for POWs and civilians. By June 1942, Japanese military leaders had decided to begin transferring the prisoners to Japan. The first transport, carrying around 60 Australian officers and several nurses, arrived safely. However, the second transport group, which included the Montevideo Maru, was attacked by Allied forces.
Investigation and Aftermath
Information about the incident remained scarce until the end of the war. In September 1945, Australian Army Major Harold S. Williams traveled to Tokyo to investigate. He pieced together a list of missing personnel from Rabaul and Japanese files, which allowed him to determine who had died aboard the Montevideo Maru and notify their families. However, questions remain as to whether the list of victims is accurate or complete.
Legacy of the Tragedy
The sinking of the Montevideo Maru remains Australia’s worst maritime disaster. In 2009, family members of the deceased formed the Rabaul and Montevideo Maru Society and began calling on the Australian government to search for the ship. Three years later, the society installed a memorial in Canberra to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the tragedy. The National Archives of Australia (NAA) has also created an interactive website that allows users to search through the list of victims and explore archival documents.
For Cathy Parry-McLennan, whose grandfather Arthur Parry was aboard the Montevideo Maru when it sank, the discovery of the wreck is a source of great comfort. “I just remember my father telling me for years they didn’t know what had happened to him,” she said. “Now we finally have some closure.”
Ongoing Efforts
The discovery of the Montevideo Maru wreck is a testament to the enduring power of hope and the importance of remembering those who have been lost. Officials plan to leave all human remains and artifacts with the wreckage out of respect for the dead and their families. However, ongoing efforts are underway to identify and honor the victims of this tragic event.
