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RETURN TO USS LAGARTO  (SS-371)

The USS Lagarto was sunk in international waters in the Gulf of Siam in 1945 with the loss of 86 United States servicemen. The wrecksite was discovered in 2005 at a depth of 75 metres. The present condition of the wreck is unknown with no reported visits to the site in the last 5 years.

The present project aims to undertake a survey of the wrecksite to create an up-to-date site inspection report. This project will involve a video and photographic survey of the wreck by technical divers under the direction of a maritime archaeologist. Data will be gathered that will be used to understand the current condition of the site, aiding the US Naval History and Heritage Command in their ability to manage the wreck. Additionally, the photographs and videos will provide those who will never be able to visit the site with a greater appreciation of wreck. Finally, this project aims to create a 3D photogrammetric model of the wrecksite that will aid in its interpretation for both management and public outreach purposes.

Fig. 1. The approximate location of the USS Lagarto.

BACKGROUND

The wreck of the USS Lagarto lies at 78 meters of water, 120 nautical miles from eastern Thailand in international waters in the Gulf of Thailand (Fig. 1).

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The wreck was discovered in 2005 by Jamie MacLeod, Stewart Owhl and the crew of MV Trident Shipwreck Research Vessel. Over four dives they gathered information to create site plans and they published the  description on http://www.thaiwreckdiver.com/lagarto.htm.

AIMS

  • Relocate the wreck site

  • Pre-disturbance video and photographic survey

  • Removal of fishing nets

  • Video and photographic survey

  • 3D Photogrammetric survey

  • Preliminary wreck inspection report

  • Final wreck inspection report

  • Public outreach presentations

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