Wartime History
This midget submarine was scuttled or sunk off Cape Esperance on Guadalcanal.

Shipwreck
After the Japanese evacuation of Guadalcanal, this midget submarine was discovered by American forces. Salvaged sometime afterwards.

Possibly, this is Type A Midget Submarine was salvaged by USS Ortolan (ASR-5) and raised on July 17, 1943 the hull rose to the surface. Inside the hull were the bodies of both crew and documents in the engine room.

Afterwards, the submarine was towed to Kukum. In June 1943 towed by USS Ortolan (ASR-5) to Nouméa for further study. Afterwards, transported to the United States and was later displayed at SUBASE Groton in Groton, CT as part of a war bond tour.

Salvaged sometime in 1944, by American forces, it was placed near the wreck of the Yamazuki Maru at Veuru. It is unclear if it was salvaged or abandoned and scrapped post war. Possibly, this is the Type A Midget Submarine displayed outdoors at the Submarine Force Museum.

References
Combined Fleet - Midget Submarines in the Solomon Islands 1942
Thanks to Peter Flahavin for additional information

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Last Updated
July 15, 2022