TheUSS Samuel B. Robertswas a John C. Butler-class destroyer escort built in 1943 and commissioned in 1944.
The 306-foot-long ship was tasked with defending aircraft convoys during the Battle of Leyte Gulf.
These larger and slower ships needed a guard from air and water attacks.
The USS Samuel B. Roberts (DE-413) off the shore of Boston, Massachusetts, in 1944. (Photo:Wikimedia Commons, Public domain)
While on duty, a heavily-armed Imperial Japanese Navy flotilla approached.
TheSamuel B. Robertsturned to face the attack, advancing close enough to shoot torpedos and anti-aircraft guns.
A hit from the Japanese ship caused a breach explosion, and shells tore large holes in the ship.
After over an hour of fighting, it became necessary to abandon ship.
Further dives revealed the ship broke in half, perhaps on impact.
At 22,621 feet, this is the deepest shipwreck ever surveyed.
On June 22, 2022, explorers discovered the deepest shipwreck at over 22,000 feet.
The USS Samuel B. Roberts (DE-413) off the shore of Boston, Massachusetts, in 1944.
