Embarking on a journey across the Pacific, the battle-worn heavy cruiser U.S.S. Indianapolis had just completed a clandestine delivery that would set in motion the conclusion of World War II. Progressing westward, the ship fell victim to a Japanese submarine's attack, sinking swiftly. In a mere twelve minutes, around 300 men were claimed by the depths. Over 900 others endured four harrowing days and five endless nights adrift in the ocean, devoid of drinking water, tormented by an unforgiving sun, and surrounded by swarms of sharks. Astonishingly, their presence remained unknown until a Navy patrol plane inadvertently stumbled upon them. Ultimately, a mere 316 crew members emerged as survivors from this ordeal.
How could such a tragedy unfold, and what were the reasons behind it? This updated edition of "Abandon Ship!", featuring an Introduction and Afterword by Peter Maas, unveils the chilling explanation. Offering a distressing account of military negligence and human catastrophe, "Abandon Ship!" also delves into the U.S. Navy's role in the disaster, with particular focus on the court-martial of Captain Charles Butler McVay III, the ship's commander. Maas brings to light information previously concealed from Richard Newcomb and documents a forty-year crusade to rectify an injustice, a crusade that was spurred by the impact of "Abandon Ship!".
