Ghost navy ship wreck revealed after decades underwater

In February 2025, divers exploring the depths of the ocean around 245 meters deep stumbled upon the wreckage of a large navy ship. The divers, led by Charles Kohnen, were aboard a SEAmagine submersible when they encountered the significant bow of a sunken vessel emerging from the darkness below. The underwater lights from their submersible illuminated the wreck, creating a striking image reminiscent of a ghostly ship rising from the ocean floor. After conducting research, the divers identified the ship as the San Salvador II, which was previously part of the Royal Bahamas Defence Force. This ship served in the Caribbean primarily to combat drug trafficking in the region. However, the San Salvador II met a tragic end when it sank during a storm in 1999 due to an engine fire, an event that fortunately resulted in no casualties. The discovery of the wreckage highlights not only the mysteries that lie beneath the ocean's surface but also the history of naval operations in the Caribbean. The San Salvador II played a significant role in anti-drug efforts, thus its sinking marks an important chapter in the fight against drug trafficking in the Caribbean region. The findings from this dive also prompt questions about the need for underwater exploration and the preservation of shipwrecks which hold historical significance. The emergence of this shipwreck from the ocean depths offers a rare glimpse into the remnants of maritime history, showcasing the adverse conditions under which maritime crews operated, and providing valuable insights into the naval history of the Bahamas.