The Bell From This World War I Shipwreck Was Recently Salvaged After Concerns Were Raised About Someone Stealing It

The Jacob Jones was attacked on December 6, 1917, just eight months after the U.S. entered World War One.

The ship had been carrying troops and supplies from France to southern Ireland. Over 100 men were on board at the time of the assault.

The crew had spotted the torpedo when it was about 1,000 yards away. It struck the starboard side of the ship.

The torpedo came from the German submarine U-53. According to the U.S. Navy, the vessel was the first U.S. destroyer that was sunk by enemy fire.

Today, it is remembered for rescuing hundreds of people throughout its deployment in European waters.

Per the Maritime Archaeology Trust, the destroyer came to the aid of 374 crew members and passengers of ships that had been hit by enemy fire.

The discovery of the USS Jacob Jones in 2022 took place less than two months after the remains of a U.S. Navy destroyer escort from World War Two were found off the coast of the Philippines.

It was located approximately 23,000 feet below sea level, setting a record as the deepest shipwreck ever discovered.