Divers capture HAUNTING images of submarines destroyed in Pearl Harbour attack
TWO Japanese submarines that were destroyed during the 1941 attack on Pear Harbour been recovered by scientists who launched a live exploration to mark the 75-year anniversary of the war event, which occurred on December 7, 1941.
One of the mini-submarines before and after America's lethal attacks
The US-based National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration allowed the public to take part in live-stream dives down to the submarines, which were sunk by US aircraft moments before they were due to reach Pearl Harbour.
Japanese Pearl Harbor live stream lcip
James Delgado, director of maritime heritage at the NOAA Office of National Marine sanctuaries said: “Until now, only a handful of explorers and scientists have seen these relics of the war in the deep sea.
“But thanks to technology, anyone and everyone can now dive with us in the first live exploration of the ‘midget’ submarines that represent the beginning of the war in the Pacific.”
Japanese mini submarine and torpedoes during live dive
According to the scientists, the Japanese submarines were shot down by US naval vessels and an aircraft, which were on their way to defend Pear Harbour from Japanese attack.
When US soldiers saw a partially-submerged submarine, they decided to attack it, leading to the submarines being tanked.
The USS ward ships that shot the mini-submarines, according to reports
Ninety minutes later, Pearl Harbour was bombed, which means the vessels received the first attacks of the iconic war.
A second submarine, which was also found submerged under water near the Harbour, also disappeared on the morning of the Japanese attack.
A close-up of the submarine's wreckage, from the live stream
Over the years, marine life have taken root on the surface of the submarines, but large parts of the mini-subs remain.
Japan’s attack on Pearl Harbour destroyed 188 US aircraft, killed 2,403 people and injured 1,178.
The coning tower of the submarine
Japan’s losses were light in comparison, with 29 aircraft and five midget submarines lost, and 64 servicemen killed.