On June 24, the US-based Caladan Oceanic Expeditions and UK-based EYOS Expeditions announced their discovery of the location of the World War II destroyer-escort USS Samuel B. Roberts.
The announcement — made by Caladan founder Victor Vescovo, a retired US naval officer — came a year after the discovery of the World War II destroyer USS Johnston in the same area.
The ships and their crews earned legendary reputations for their pivotal role in the Battle of Leyte Gulf, the largest naval battle in history and the last naval clash involving battleships.
Eight decades after that battle, their discovery has made them the two deepest shipwrecks ever found.
