Japanese Wreck Carrying Over a Thousand Allied Prisoners Discovered Off Philippines

Discovery of the Sunken Transport Hofuku Maru

According to НВ — Техно: Researchers have confirmed the identity of the Japanese vessel Hofuku Maru, which was transporting Allied prisoners of war when it was sunk on September 21, 1944. The wreck lies more than 160 feet deep off the coast of Zambales Province on Luzon Island in the Philippines. Over 1,000 Allied prisoners aboard lost their lives in the attack.

The Hofuku Maru was located by explorer Josh Gates and a team from the Hell Ship Memorial Foundation. They discovered that the ship had gone down more than 30 miles from where it was previously believed to have sunk. Divers found human remains among the debris, confirming the tragic fate of those on board.

History of Prisoner Transport During WWII

During World War II, the Imperial Japanese Navy repurposed more than 130 cargo vessels and passenger liners to transport prisoners of war. In total, over 125,000 Allied POWs were moved on these ships, with roughly 20,000 dying during the voyages. The Hofuku Maru was struck by an Allied torpedo, causing the freighter to break in half and sink in less than three minutes. Hundreds of British and Dutch prisoners were aboard at the time.

The Hell Ship Memorial Foundation, founded by retired Navy officer Randy Anderson, along with researchers Tim Bexensoll and John Dureski, worked to identify the vessel. The team stated that the evidence overwhelmingly supports the identification.

“We were absolutely stunned that Japanese sources had information on where the convoy was attacked and which ships were hit-it was irrefutable proof,” said Randy Anderson.

Separately, the international expedition group Ocean Exploration Trust discovered and examined 13 World War II wrecks in the Iron Bottom Sound area near Guadalcanal in the Solomon Islands. The survey was conducted over 22 days aboard the vessel E/V Nautilus and concluded on August 1, 2025. Among the ships found were the bow section of the heavy cruiser USS New Orleans (CA 32) and the Japanese destroyer Teruzuki.

The identification of the Hofuku Maru highlights the importance of maritime historical research and the need to remember the victims of World War II, especially the POWs who endured horrific conditions during transport. These events remain crucial for understanding the tragedies of war and the necessity of proper commemoration. Investigations into such wrecks can also help uncover further historical facts and restore memory of forgotten tragedies.