Ep 18. The Rohna Disaster: WWII's Secret Tragedy

The Rohna Disaster: WWII's Secret Tragedy is an episode from the first season of Deep Sea Detectives, a documentary series that explores the mysteries of shipwrecks and maritime history. In this episode, the team investigates the sinking of the British troopship HMT Rohna off the coast of Algeria during World War II.

The Rohna was ferrying American troops to the Middle East when it was attacked by German aircraft on November 26, 1943. The ship was hit by a single missile and quickly began to sink, with hundreds of soldiers trapped below decks. Despite the efforts of rescue ships and helicopters, over 1,000 men lost their lives in the tragedy, making it one of the deadliest maritime disasters of the war.

For decades, the details of the Rohna sinking were shrouded in secrecy, with the US government denying that any American soldiers had been aboard the ship. However, in recent years, declassified documents have revealed the full extent of the disaster and the cover-up that followed.

The Deep Sea Detectives team sets out to uncover the truth behind the Rohna sinking, using underwater technology to explore the wreck site and interviewing surviving veterans and their families. Through their investigation, they piece together the events of that fateful day and the long-lasting impact it had on those who survived.

The episode features dramatic reenactments of the attack and the frantic efforts to save the soldiers aboard the sinking ship. It also highlights the bravery of the men who served on the Rohna, many of whom were only teenagers at the time, and the sacrifices they made for their country.

Overall, The Rohna Disaster: WWII's Secret Tragedy is a moving and informative episode that sheds light on a little-known chapter of World War II history. Through the Deep Sea Detectives' meticulous investigation, we gain a better understanding of the human cost of war and the importance of remembering those who gave their lives in service to their country.