Summary of "Morbid" Episode 655: The Sinking of the USS Indianapolis

Podcast Information:

• Title: Morbid
• Host/Author: Morbid Network | Wondery
• Description: A true crime, creepy history, and all things spooky podcast hosted by an autopsy technician and a hairstylist, blending thorough research with a touch of comedy.
• Episode: 655: The Sinking of the USS Indianapolis
• Release Date: March 17, 2025

1. Introduction

In Episode 655, hosts Ash and Elena delve into one of the most harrowing naval tragedies in American history—the sinking of the USS Indianapolis. Balancing detailed historical recounting with their characteristic lightheartedness, they explore the ordeal faced by the ship and its crew during World War II.

2. Background of the USS Indianapolis

The USS Indianapolis was a Portland-class heavy cruiser commissioned by the U.S. Navy in 1930. Initially designed as a light cruiser, it was reclassified the following year after being retrofitted with powerful 8-inch guns. For a decade, the Indianapolis served primarily as a showpiece, hosting dignitaries and participating in naval events.

Notable Quote:

• "It was their crowning glory, you know." — Elena [05:08]

3. The Secret Mission and Pearl Harbor Aftermath

Following the attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, the Indianapolis was thrust into active combat. Under the command of Captain Charles McVay, the ship played a pivotal role in key Pacific battles, including the bombardment of Iwo Jima. As the war intensified, the Indianapolis was assigned a top-secret mission: transporting components of the atomic bomb "Little Boy" to Tinian Island for assembly.

4. The Attack and Sinking

On July 16, 1945, the Indianapolis departed San Francisco for its clandestine mission. Unbeknownst to the crew, the Japanese submarine I-58, commanded by Mochitsura Hashimoto, was tracking the ship using sonar. The first indication of danger came from seemingly mundane noises—"sonar picked up on dishes rattling"—a fact that both Ash and Elena found astonishing ([17:03]).

At approximately midnight on July 30, 1945, I-58 fired six torpedoes at the Indianapolis, two of which struck the ship, causing catastrophic damage. The explosions resulted in immediate chaos: "Captain McVeigh ... noticed in my emergency cabin ... acrid white smoke" ([20:07]). The bow of the ship was torn off, and the vessel began to sink rapidly, leaving nearly 300 men trapped below deck.

5. The Ordeal of Survivors: Four Days in the Open Ocean

Following the sinking, 890 crew members were cast into the open ocean under dire conditions. The survivors faced extreme dehydration, exposure, and relentless shark attacks. Ash and Elena vividly describe the scene:

Notable Quotes:

• "They were sitting ducks in the middle of the water." — Ash & Elena [26:48]
• "It's like hell on earth." — Elena [43:48]

Sharks, particularly the oceanic white tips, were drawn to the survivors by the chaos and blood in the water. The lack of fresh water and adequate medical supplies exacerbated the suffering, leading to severe illness and hallucinations among the men.

6. Rescue Operations

Rescue efforts were hampered by the Indianapolis's official status as lost due to its top-secret mission, delaying the initiation of search operations. It wasn't until August 2, 1945, when pilot Wilbur Chuck Gwyn inadvertently discovered the survivors while conducting an unrelated mission, that effective rescue efforts commenced. The U.S. Navy destroyer escort, USS Cecil J. Doyle, played a crucial role in rescuing the remaining survivors.

Notable Quote:

• "He made the decision ... to change course and go aid the men from the Indianapolis." — Elena [70:38]

By the time rescue teams arrived, only 317 of the original 890 men had survived the ordeal.

7. Court-Martial and Exoneration of Captain Charles McVay

In the aftermath, Captain McVay faced a court-martial, primarily blamed for the tragedy due to alleged negligence in not employing sufficient evasive maneuvers. However, evidence suggested that the attacking submarine would have sunk the ship regardless of such actions.

Notable Quotes:

• "They scapegoated him completely." — Ash [83:04]
• "We tried to keep the men thinking that they would be saved." — Ensign Harlan Twibble [57:44]

Despite widespread belief among survivors that McVay was unfairly blamed, the court-martial proceeded, resulting in a guilty verdict that tarnished McVay's legacy until his exoneration in 2000, following testimonies from both survivors and Mochitsura Hashimoto.

8. Legacy and Discovery of the Wreckage

The sinking of the USS Indianapolis became a symbol of naval tragedy and was immortalized in popular culture, notably influencing the character Quint in the film Jaws. Decades later, in 2017, Microsoft founder Paul Allen led a team that discovered the wreckage nearly 10,000 feet below the Philippine Sea, providing closure to the survivors and their families.

Notable Quote:

• "The Indianapolis had sunk in the Pacific." — Nevada Mike Corey referencing the impact [63:04]

9. Conclusion

The episode chronicles not only the immediate tragedy of the USS Indianapolis but also the long-term repercussions for its captain and crew. Ash and Elena poignantly highlight themes of survival, leadership, injustice, and redemption, offering listeners a comprehensive and emotionally charged narrative of one of World War II's most infamous naval disasters.

Closing Thoughts:

• "This is an awful, awful tragedy." — Elena [75:29]
• "It's a crazy tale." — Ash [90:17]

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• "It was their crowning glory, you know." — Elena [05:08]
• "Sonar picked up on dishes rattling." — Elena [17:03]
• "Captain McVeigh ... noticed ... acrid white smoke." — Elena [20:07]
• "They were sitting ducks in the middle of the water." — Ash & Elena [26:48]
• "It's like hell on earth." — Elena [43:48]
• "He made the decision ... to change course and go aid the men from the Indianapolis." — Elena [70:38]
• "They scapegoated him completely." — Ash [83:04]
• "We tried to keep the men thinking that they would be saved." — Ensign Harlan Twibble [57:44]
• "The Indianapolis had sunk in the Pacific." — Mike Corey [63:04]
• "This is an awful, awful tragedy." — Elena [75:29]
• "It's a crazy tale." — Ash [90:17]

Final Note: This episode serves as a sobering reminder of the horrors of war and the profound impact of leadership and accountability. For those interested in deep dives into historical tragedies, "Morbid" continues to provide meticulously researched and emotionally resonant stories.