The famous Bali Liberty Wreck is of the best go-to dive destinations for divers. It is considered to be one of the great sunken shipwrecks in the world. Situated in the northeastern part of Bali, it is accessible all year round that is perfect for all levels of divers.
But how well do you know this popular dive site? Read on as these are the 3 disturbing facts about the Liberty Wreck!
More Than Just A Shipwreck
While it was named the USS Liberty Wreck, it is not actually a liberty class ship because it is merely its name. USAT means United States Army Transport and it was a cargo ship built at the end of World War I and used during World War II by the Americans. However, it was not built to be a warship. It had served the US Navy in the war as the animal transportation. Other names of the wreck are USAT Liberty Glo, Hog Island Null No. 517, and SS Scooba.
Nightmares Of The Wreck
The hitting of the Japanese torpedoed the ship and was beached over Tulamben and the Mount Agung eruption in 1963 were probably the worst nightmare of the sunken ship. However, there are speculations that up until now, there are no concise explanations regarding the 1967 attack of the Israeli Defense Forces on the US Liberty. It was said that the tragic story of the American ship was overlooked as 34 American sailors were killed and many others were wounded in the Israeli fighter jet bombing. Israel apologized for the “tragic error” and paid the victims’ families but suspicious theory arises which believe that the attack was done with malicious intent.
The Once Abandoned Wreck
Who would have thought that the once deserted ship became one of the popular wreck diving sites? After the incident of being torpedoed by a Japanese submarine in 1942, it stayed on the beach of Tulamben for about two decades. It got back to the wonders of the ocean after the Mount Agung eruption and tremors pushed the ship where it fell on its side and broke into three pieces. But not until the early 1980s, it was again forgotten. During the last 50 years, it remained underwater and completely overgrown with beautiful corals and breathtaking macro creatures.
USS Liberty Wreck may be under the depths of the ocean but it will always be remembered for its breathtaking view which makes it well-known for all divers. Keep swimming and discover its wonders!
What an intriguing read! It just makes the world beneath the ocean’s surface feel even more mysterious and exciting. The USS Liberty Wreck sounds like a must-visit spot for any diving aficionado.