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The Daring Mission to Recover World War II POWs From the Bottom of the Ocean

The collapsed wreckage of the Oryoku Maru has made it impossible for the U.S. to bring home the remains of hundreds of Americans—until now
Oryoku Maru Hell Ship

SUBIC BAY, Philippines—Petty Officer First Class Taylor Lucas was nearly 80 feet underwater, inside the wreckage of a Japanese liner used to transport captured American soldiers and sailors in World War II.

In the darkness, the U.S. Navy diver dug through mud, wood and steel. There was so much sediment floating around that a flashlight was no use.

Suddenly, he touched something that felt different.

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