- SinkingThe USS Indianapolis was a World War II heavy cruiser that was torpedoed and sunk by the Japanese submarine I-58 on July 30, 1945. The ship sank in 12 minutes, making it impossible to send a distress signal or deploy much of its life-saving equipment.
- MissionThe Indianapolis had just delivered the internal components of the atomic bombs that were later dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, Japan. The ship was en route from Guam to Leyte when it was torpedoed.
- SurvivorsUp to 900 men initially survived the sinking, but only 316 were saved. Many succumbed to shark attacks, dehydration, and salt poisoning as they awaited rescue.
- DiscoveryThe wreckage of the USS Indianapolis was located in the Philippine Sea on August 19, 2017, at a depth of approximately 18,000 ft (5,500 m).
- LegacyThe sinking of the USS Indianapolis is considered the worst sea disaster in the history of the United States Navy. It has become part of popular culture, including a monologue in the movie Jaws.
