Current expedition

Maritime Archaeology of Guadalcanal: Iron Bottom Sound

July 2 – 23, 2025
Description and highlights
Current Status
Sonar Mapping
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Update
We are mapping Iron Bottom Sound using sonar - both with E/V Nautilus and an uncrewed surface vessel DriX! Join us for a live ongoing discussion and ask your questions (Channel 2 & 3) or enjoy our previous dives (Channel 1). Happy exploring!
8 hours ago
Ship Location
Iron Bottom Sound, Solomon Islands
Our team is in the control room and ready for your questions!

Technology

Ship location

The ship location map has been disabled temporarily.

In accordance with federal regulations, international best practices, and OET policies, location data for maritime heritage sites is restricted from public release.

Current Watch

Watch Leader

Data Logger

Hercules Pilot

Atalanta Pilot

Navigator

Video Engineer

Communications

On shore

Scientist
Scientist
Scientist
Scientist
Scientist

Recent Posts

Our #CorpsofExploration was lucky enough to explore the 106-meter long Benson class destroyer #USSLaffey. The ship sank on November 12, 1942 after sustaining a torpedo strike during the First Naval #BattleofGuadalcanal. Our team collected high-quality images and video of the wreck, including of the ship’s torpedo tubes and the ruins of the deck. A highlight of the dive was identifying the Laffey’s builder’s plaque showing the ship’s name and builder information.
Ocean Exploration Trust

Our Corps of Exploration was lucky enough to explore the 106-meter-long Benson-class destroyer USS Laffey. The ship sank on November 12, 1942, after sustaining a torpedo strike during the First Naval Battle of Guadalcanal. Our team collected high-quality images and video of the wreck, including of the ship’s torpedo tubes and the ruins of the deck. A highlight of the dive was identifying the Laffey’s builder’s plaque showing the ship’s name and builder information.

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