The Fates of the Crews of the 3 Japanese Mini Subs Recovered in Pearl Harbor

After the infamous attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941, a series of Japanese Type A Kō-hyōteki-class submarines were brought to the surface and recovered. These submarines, and the remains of their crews, have since been studied and managed by organizations such as the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). This article delves into the fascinating stories behind these submarines and their crews, exploring the details of their recovery and ultimate fate.

Recovery and Disposition

The recovery of the Japanese mini subs from Pearl Harbor involved complex operations and subsequent decisions regarding their fate. For the crews of these submarines, the outcomes ranged from repatriation to entombment within their vessels. Unlike the fate of subs that were left to rot on the seafloor or used for other purposes, these submarines and their crews received more formal handling.

One crew's remains were sent back to Japan with their submarine after the war. This decision reflects the cultural and diplomatic considerations of the time, respecting the wishes of both the families of the deceased and the Japanese government.

The Survivors and Their Stories

Two crews, albeit with varying circumstances, appear to have survived the attack. Notably, only one sailor is named, as he was the only one captured on shore. This highlights the challenges faced by individuals separated from their comrades during such a chaotic and brutal event.

The final two crews have a particularly somber fate. One crew's submarine was entombed within Pearl Harbor, while the other was entombed outside the harbor entrance. This arrangement provides a somber and lasting memorial to the men who lost their lives.

Management and Ongoing Research

NOAA, a premier authority in oceanic and atmospheric research, manages the submarines and their remains. The agency has designated at least some of the wrecks as war graves, recognizing the historical and cultural significance of these underwater sites.

Details further reveal that part of one submarine's remains was returned to Japan at the request of the Japanese government. This decision underscores the ongoing diplomatic and historical considerations that impact the management of World War II submarine wrecks.

Other Submarine Stories

Additional details about the other recovered mini subs paint a picture of varied and often mysterious circumstances. One submarine, being of a lesser design, was sunk outside the harbor, taking two crewmen with it. Another was used as landfill with the two crewmen still inside, a cruel twist at the end of a tragic mission.

A third submarine was lost and washed up on the other side of the harbor, where the three crewmen drowned, and another joined the ranks of prisoners of war, designated as number 1.

A fourth sub was discovered in a nearby lagoon around 1960 with no bodies aboard. The whereabouts of the crew remain a mystery, adding to the intrigue of these underwater artifacts.

The fifth and final sub, located in the debris field off the harbor mouth, presents a captivating but enigmatic story. This sub appears to have been partially disassembled and wrapped in steel cabling, surrounded by debris from a raging fire involving several LSTs (Landing Ship, Tank) later in the war. The idea that this sub entered the harbor, fired its torpedoes, and sought refuge in a nearby side loch is a compelling theory.

Despite the thorough recovery operations and the detailed entombment and management practices, the ultimate fate of the crewmen aboard these submarines remains shrouded in mystery and historical intrigue.

Conclusion

The stories of the 3 Japanese mini subs recovered from Pearl Harbor offer a unique glimpse into the hardships and sacrifices faced by the crews during one of the most pivotal moments in modern history. These artifacts and their crews continue to captivate historians, marine researchers, and the interested public, serving as a poignant reminder of the tragic events of Pearl Harbor.