WWII Underwater Archaeology and Recovery in Culasi, Philippines: A Partnership between Marine Imaging Technologies, Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA), and the National Museum of the Philippines

Calvin Mires1*, Evan Kovacs1, Alba Mazza2, and Bobby Orillaneda3

Since 2023, Marine Imaging Technologies has partnered with Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) in collaboration with the Philippines National Museum to conduct a successful underwater investigation offshore Culasi, in the Antique Province. The project objectives were to search for and document possible material evidence related to the loss of a WWII Catalina aircraft with three service members currently unaccounted for. DPAA estimates that ca. 11,300 Missing in Action personnel are currently unaccounted-for in the Philippines. 4,000 to 5,000 of these losses are located underwater. Unresolved casualty loss incidents present unique archaeological challenges to DPAA staff and associated partner entities. Each and every site reflects an individualized event that occurred within the framework of the larger battlescape context, representing losses that happened on the ground, in the air, as well on and over water. To pursue the goals of this investigation, Marine Imaging Technologies developed innovative exploration, documentation, and excavation systems that allowed flexibility and pliability for search, mapping, and recovery seasons. This paper discusses these goals, challenges, and innovations of this project. It aims to illustrate the methodological approach and investigation strategy adopted with a focus on the remote sensing and diving aspect, the involvement of the local fishing community and collaboration with local agencies. Preliminary results will be presented, and future opportunities will be discussed.