Watch The Hunt for Eagle 56

The Hunt for Eagle 56 is an enthralling and captivating documentary series that chronicles the dramatic events surrounding the sinking of the USS Eagle-56, a US Navy patrol boat, off the coast of Maine in April 1945 during World War II. In the series, viewers are led on a compelling journey through the various stages of the investigation and search for the long-lost wreck of the vessel, which was found nearly seven decades after it was destroyed by a German submarine.

The story begins with the riveting and heart-wrenching tale of how the USS Eagle-56 was attacked and sunk by a German U-boat, which led to the deaths of 49 of its crew members. This tragic episode remains one of the least-known and underappreciated naval disasters in the annals of US military history.

The series then explores the painstaking efforts of a team of ocean explorers and researchers who set out to locate and document the sunken wreckage of the USS Eagle-56 in what is considered to be one of the most treacherous submarine-infested waters in the world.

The investigation involved using cutting-edge sonar and scanning technology, as well as archival footage from the archives of the US Navy, to piece together the history and circumstances surrounding the disaster. The documentary delves into the science and technology employed by the team, as well as the obstacles they faced in trying to uncover the lost wreckage.

As the series progresses, viewers are gradually immersed in the story and are treated to key moments of emotional intensity, such as when the researchers finally discover the wreckage of the USS Eagle-56 and the personal accounts of those who were associated with the vessel.

The show also highlights the historical significance of the USS Eagle-56 and its role in the ongoing efforts to defend the United States during World War II, putting the events into a broader context and shedding light on a significant but often overlooked incident during the war.

Overall, The Hunt for Eagle 56 is an engrossing and unforgettable documentary series that appeals to history buffs, military enthusiasts, and anyone interested in the art of discovery and exploration. The series represents an ambitious and successful endeavor to piece together the past and honor the legacy of those who served and sacrificed during World War II.

The Hunt for Eagle 56 is a series that ran for 1 seasons (3 episodes) between September 22, 2019 and on Smithsonian Channel Plus