BY JOHN HOUANIHAU
World War II (WWII) shipwrecks in Iron Bottom Sound, located between Guadalcanal, Savo Island, and Florida Island, are starting to leak oil, according to marine geologist and oceanographer, Mae Lubetkin.
Lubetkin, who was part of the Ocean Exploration Trust’s E.V. Nautilus expedition, conducted surveys and mapping of these wrecks this year. Iron Bottom Sound, known for being the site of five major naval battles during the early years of the Pacific campaign in WWII, is home to more than 100 sunken naval vessels. Of these, only 30 have been located, with at least 21 still undiscovered in deep waters.
“The main goal of the project was to non-invasively survey and understand the locations of the different shipwrecks.
“We mapped several wrecks and used remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) to visually inspect and document the condition of each shipwreck,” Lubetkin explained.
He however noted that some of the wrecks are now leaking oil, a situation that could pose significant risks to the marine environment, local fisheries, and the livelihoods of those depending on them.
“These oil leaks will create problems for the ecosystem and the people who rely on fishing. Fishermen will face challenges if the oil continues to spread.
“This issue needs to be addressed urgently. The longer we wait, the harder it will be to clear the unexploded ordnance (UXOs), and the risks become more dangerous,” he said.
While there is growing interest, especially in light of the shifting political landscape, for the United States to rebuild its relationships in the region, Lubetkin stressed that the primary reason for action should be the moral obligation, not political motivations.
“The reason to act is because it’s the right thing to do.
“My main goal is to ensure that the United States, Japan, and the international community are more aware of the ongoing challenges faced by post-conflict countries,” Lubetkin emphasized.
He also pointed out that although the war ended decades ago, danger still lingers in the form of UXOs and environmental hazards.
“The main takeaway is that the war may be over, but the danger is still very much present,” Lubetkin concluded.
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