The United States Navy is surveying the wreck of USS San Diego, the only major American warship lost in the First World War.
Six crewmen were killed when the cruiser exploded and sank off Long Island, New York, on 19 July 1918.
Marine archaeologists are assessing the condition of the wreck ahead of next year’s centennial, and trying to discover whether San Diego was hit by a German submarine-launched torpedo or struck a mine.
At the time, the cruiser was deployed on convoy escort duties off the Atlantic coast of North America.
The survey is being led by the US Naval History and Heritage Command, whose responsibilities include protection of wreck sites that serve as war graves.
For the full story, see the Naval History and Heritage Command website.
Images: US Naval History & Heritage Command #NH 55013
Posted by: CN Editorial Team