Oceanographer Ballard and National Geographic locate PT-109 with help from Solomon Islanders.

Robert Ballard, the oceanographer credited with discovering the Titanic, led an expedition with National Geographic to locate the remains of PT-109, the patrol torpedo boat commanded by John F. Kennedy during World War II. During this expedition, Ballard and his team interviewed two Solomon Islands residents, Gasa and Kumana. These individuals were familiar with the local waters and histories, having grown up in the Solomon Islands, where PT-109 was presumed to have sunk. Gasa and Kumana provided critical insights and local knowledge that became instrumental in navigating the local waters and offering context to the historical event. Their accounts helped Ballard’s team understand the challenges and terrains of the area where the PT-109 had gone missing. PT-109 was struck by a Japanese destroyer, Amagiri, during the war. Kennedy and his crew were forced to swim and survive on a deserted island before being rescued. The story of PT-109 and Kennedy’s survival became widely known, subsequently impacting his political career and contributing to his heroic persona. The involvement of National Geographic in documenting this search highlighted the importance and global interest in uncovering historical wartime artifacts. Their coverage brought wider attention to the role of the Solomon Islanders in wartime events, particularly the heroics of local scouts and residents who assisted in rescues during the period. This interview and mapping effort increased scholarly interest in World War II naval history and maritime archaeology. Facts and statistics gathered during the expedition added valuable data to the field. The expedition underlined the importance of integrating local knowledge with scientific exploration, contributing to more comprehensive historical narratives. The engagement of Gasa and Kumana with National Geographic also highlighted the crucial role of indigenous peoples in preserving and recounting historical events. Their participation emphasized the value of oral histories and local expertise in uncovering and understanding historical contexts. #PT109 #RobertBallard #NationalGeographic #SolomonIslands #JohnFKennedy #MaritimeHistory #WartimeHistory #Expeditions #LocalKnowledge #MoofLife