Discovery and Management of the Wreck of USS Albacore (SS-218)
Dublin Core
Title
Discovery and Management of the Wreck of USS Albacore (SS-218)
Description
The wreck of USS Albacore (SS-218) was discovered on 25 May 2022 and resurveyed in October by Dr Tamaki
Ura’s team of researchers at La Plongée Deep Sea Engineering Society. Following the initial discovery,
volunteer researchers for the Naval History and Heritage Command (NHHC) examined recorded footage of the
wreckage to identify the wrecked boat. Key features identified the wreckage as belonging to an American
submarine from the Second World War. Further investigation and archival research identified the submarine as
the American Albacore, a Gato class submarine lost in action in Japanese waters on 7 November 1944. The U.S.
Navy formally confirmed the identity of the wrecksite as the Albacore in February 2023.
After an overview of the vessel’s history, this paper covers the initial search and discovery of Albacore during
2022. In particular, the use of a Remotely Operated Vehicle demonstrates the viability of this approach for
initial identification assessments of deep wrecks. An outline of the identification process is provided that covers
key features of Albacore observed on both the underwater footage and archival imagery. The identity
confirmation process and media outreach efforts surrounding the discovery are covered, followed by a
discussion on the continuing management and treatment of Albacore.
Ura’s team of researchers at La Plongée Deep Sea Engineering Society. Following the initial discovery,
volunteer researchers for the Naval History and Heritage Command (NHHC) examined recorded footage of the
wreckage to identify the wrecked boat. Key features identified the wreckage as belonging to an American
submarine from the Second World War. Further investigation and archival research identified the submarine as
the American Albacore, a Gato class submarine lost in action in Japanese waters on 7 November 1944. The U.S.
Navy formally confirmed the identity of the wrecksite as the Albacore in February 2023.
After an overview of the vessel’s history, this paper covers the initial search and discovery of Albacore during
2022. In particular, the use of a Remotely Operated Vehicle demonstrates the viability of this approach for
initial identification assessments of deep wrecks. An outline of the identification process is provided that covers
key features of Albacore observed on both the underwater footage and archival imagery. The identity
confirmation process and media outreach efforts surrounding the discovery are covered, followed by a
discussion on the continuing management and treatment of Albacore.
Creator
Ivor Mollema
Tamaki Ura
David Johnston
Stephen Katona
Publisher
The Museum of Underwater Archaeology
Date
2023
Language
English
Bibliographic Citation
Mollema, Ivor, Stephen Katona, David Johnston, and Tamaki Ura. 2023. “Discovery and Management of the wreck of USS Albacore (SS-218).” Edited by Jennifer Craig, Jay Mok, T. Kurt Knoerl, and Alexis Catsambis. In Proceedings of Fifth Asia Pacific Regional Conference on Underwater Cultural Heritage: Gwangju, The Republic of Korea, November 13-18 2023. The Museum of Underwater Archaeology. URL: https://apconf.omeka.net/exhibits/show/apconfproceedings/item/1893
Files
Citation
Ivor Mollema et al., “Discovery and Management of the Wreck of USS Albacore (SS-218),” Asia Pacific Regional Conference on Underwater Cultural Heritage Proceedings, accessed February 10, 2026, https://apconf.omeka.net/items/show/1893.