The sinking of the USS Indianapolis in the final days of World War II led to one of the deadliest shark attacks in history. The ship was torpedoed by the Japanese, and what followed became a nightmare for the survivors. Of the more than 900 sailors who made it into the water, only 316 were rescued. The Indianapolis was the ship that delivered the key components of the world’s first combat-ready atomic bomb, “Little Boy,” to the Pacific island of Tinian, just days before it was dropped on Hiroshima.
The Sinking of the USS Indianapolis
In August 1945, the Indianapolis was returning from its mission of delivering the bomb’s crucial components when it was struck by two torpedoes from a Japanese submarine. The first torpedo hit the ship’s bow, and shortly after, another struck the midsection, triggering a massive explosion in the ship’s fuel and ammunition stores. Within 12 minutes, the ship sank. Out of the 1,196 people onboard, around 900 sailors ended up in the open ocean. They had no lifeboats and were left to float in the water, suffering from dehydration, exposure, and, worst of all, the looming threat of sharks.
The Shark Attacks Begin
At first, the sharks primarily attacked the dead, drawn by the blood in the water. Sharks like the Oceanic Whitetip Shark and Tiger Sharks, known for their aggressiveness, swarmed the sailors. As survivors struggled in the water, their movements attracted more sharks, further escalating the danger. Many sailors, desperate and dehydrated, were dragged away by the sharks, with screams and sounds of them being torn apart echoing in the surrounding ocean. Some survivors witnessed their comrades being taken by sharks, a terrifying and haunting ordeal. 
The Struggles of Survival
Dr. Louis Haines, the ship’s chief medical officer, was one of the survivors. He recalled doing his best to prevent the sailors from drinking seawater, which caused them to become severely dehydrated and delirious. Some began drinking the saltwater, which led to nausea, vomiting, and hallucinations. In extreme cases, it made them even more vulnerable to the sharks.
As the days passed, the hope of rescue grew slim. Many sailors died from the heat, dehydration, and injuries from the explosion. Some even succumbed to shark attacks. By the time help arrived, hundreds had perished.
The Rescue and Aftermath
On August 2, a Navy plane spotted the survivors drifting in the water. A seaplane, piloted by Lieutenant Adrian Marks, dropped rescue supplies and life rafts, landing in the shark-infested waters to help the injured. On August 3, the USS Cecil J. Doyle arrived to rescue the remaining survivors. Of the original 1,196 crew members, only 316 survived. Estimates suggest that between 50 to 150 men were lost to shark attacks.
The Blame on Captain McVay
After the rescue, the Navy placed blame on the ship’s captain, Charles B. McVay III, for failing to evade the torpedoes. He was charged with endangering the ship by not maneuvering to avoid the attack. Despite testimonies suggesting that even evasive maneuvers wouldn’t have stopped the torpedo strike, McVay’s conviction ended his naval career. Tragically, McVay died by suicide in 1968. It wasn’t until 2001 that the U.S. Navy cleared his name and issued a resolution in his favor, recognizing the mistakes that led to the tragedy.
Discovery of the Wreck
In August 2017, the wreckage of the Indianapolis was found on the floor of the Pacific Ocean by a research vessel funded by Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen. The location is now preserved as a war cemetery for the hundreds of men who lost their lives in the disaster. As Sam Cox, Director of the Naval History and Heritage Command, wrote, “Even in the most tragic failures and disasters, there is courage and sacrifice that must never be forgotten. It can inspire sailors today and in the future who face death to persist. And, importantly, it serves as a reminder to learn from mistakes to prevent them from happening again and save lives.”
