Japanese submarine I-401

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The Sen Toku-class I-401 was once the largest submarine in the world. It was commanded by Lieutenant Commander Nambu. Capable of carrying three two-seat Aichi M6A1 "Seiran" (Mountain Haze) float torpedo bombers, the Sen Tokus were built to launch a surprise air strike against the Panama Canal.

When the I-401 was completed and commissioned on January 8, 1945 at the Kure Naval District, the Second World War was almost over. This left the fate of I-401 uncertain. After several attempts to launch, the I-401 set route to its first target, but was stopped by Emperor Hirohito's broadcast, calling for an end to all hostilities on 15 August 1945.

On August 26, 1945, the I-401 hoisted a black flag of surrender. Its unmanned planes were catapulted into the sea, all 20 Type 95 torpedoes were destroyed, and all codes, logs, charts and secret documents were also destroyed.

Three days later, on August 29, 1945, the I-401 was picked up by radar by USS Segundo. I-401 surrendered to the Segundo. Lieutenant Commander Nambu delivered two samurai swords, as a symbol of surrender, to Lieutenant J.E. Balson, the Segundo's Prize Crew officer.

The I-401 was finally sunk, while used as a target ship, off Pearl Harbor on May 31, 1946.

On 17 March 2005, the Hawaii Undersea Research Laboratory's (HURL) deep-diving submersibles Pisces IV & Pisces V located the I-401 off the coast of Kalaeloa. The I-401 lies about 820 meters (2665 feet) off the coast of Barbers Point. The bow is broken off just forward of the aircraft hangar. The two pieces are not far apart and are connected by a debris field. The main hull is sitting upright on the bottom and the numbers "I-401" are clearly visible on the sides of the conning tower. Her 25-mm antiaircraft guns seem in almost perfect condition.