The need to protect World War II Shipwrecks in the Philippines

During the Second World War, hundreds of vessels of different types, forms, and functions sank all over the Philippines. The primary combatants were the United States of America and Japan but many other vessels from different countries and crewed by different nationalities were also involved. This wide scale tragic event has led to unimaginable loss of life and property. 

Sunken ships and planes are considered war graves and sacred to many cultures as they serve as memorial for all those who perished in its holds. They are also highly threatened by natural processes and human intervention. Climate change has wreaked havoc on the marine environment, causing destruction to natural and cultural resources. The development of undersea equipment resulting in greater accessibility to deeper wrecks by recreational and technical divers has created an adverse impact on the shipwrecks’ already deteriorating structure. Many WWII shipwrecks have already disappeared after being illegally salvaged for commercial purposes. Others contain ageing, unexploded ordnance as well as fuel oil that, if left unchecked, may create a massive oil spill. Development projects such as the building of bridges also compromise the stability of shipwrecks and its environment.

Despite its fragility and historical significance, these non-renewable, submerged resources have not been subject to proper scientific examination here in the Philippines. M/Y Petrel, in collaboration with the Maritime and Underwater Cultural Heritage Division of the #NationalMuseumPH has relocated and photodocumented WWII shipwrecks in Surigao Strait and Ormoc Bay, but this only comprise a small percentage of the total number of shipwrecks. These vessels possess intrinsic scientific, educational, monetary, and cultural values, thus should be extensively investigated in preparation for a systematic management and monitoring plan. 

Let us protect our World War II shipwrecks!

#MANAMo #WWII #ShipwreckProtection #MaritimeMonday #MuseumFromHome

Poster and text by the Maritime and Underwater Cultural Heritage Division

© 2022 National Museum of the Philippines

Poster photo courtesy of Navigea Ltd. R/V Petrel, 2017