description HIJMS Shinano Overview
Shinano was an Imperial Japanese Navy aircraft carrier converted during construction from the third hull of the Yamato-class battleships. Commissioned in November 1944 before it was fully fitted out, it was torpedoed by the United States submarine USS Archerfish while traveling between Japanese ports. Shinano sank on 29 November 1944 and remains the largest warship by displacement known to have been sunk by a submarine.
insights Ranking position
HIJMS Shinano ranks #32 of 186 in the Shipwreck ranking, behind SS Eastland, ahead of SS General Slocum.
help HIJMS Shinano FAQ
Why was Shinano converted from a battleship into an aircraft carrier?
Shinano began as the third Yamato-class battleship hull, but Japan reconsidered its purpose after the loss of four carriers at the Battle of Midway. It was converted into a heavily protected support carrier intended to replenish and service other carriers' aircraft.
How did USS Archerfish sink such a large carrier?
USS Archerfish struck Shinano with four torpedoes during the carrier's transfer voyage in November 1944. Incomplete watertight fittings, open passages, inexperienced damage-control teams, and progressive flooding prevented the ship from surviving.
Was Shinano fully operational when it sank?
No, it had been hurriedly commissioned while still incomplete and was moving from Yokosuka to Kure for further fitting out. Many internal systems and watertight arrangements were not ready for combat service.
Has the wreck of Shinano ever been found?
No publicly confirmed discovery of the wreck has been announced. Its presumed location is in deep water off Japan, based on wartime navigation and sinking records.
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