Josh Gates Unearths Shocking WWII Secret in 'Expedition Unknown' Season Premiere!

Josh Gates, the renowned Discovery Channel explorer, is celebrated for his adventurous journeys to uncover incredible truths about the world. From ancient Mayan settlements to the desolate Dyatlov Pass, Gates has consistently ventured off the beaten path, and his upcoming two-part Season 17 premiere of "Expedition Unknown," titled "Hunt for the Hellships," promises one of his most historic and harrowing discoveries. The special will document his collaborative efforts with The Hellships Memorial Foundation to investigate the recently discovered wreck of the Hōfuku Maru.

During World War II, the Hōfuku Maru served as an infamous Japanese "Hellship," a massive prison transport vessel for Allied Prisoners of War (POWs). These ships earned their grim moniker due to the brutal and inhumane conditions onboard, essentially functioning as floating concentration camps for those captured by the Japanese military. The Hellships Memorial Foundation, established by U.S. Naval Officer Randy Anderson with contributions from researchers Tim Beckensall and John Duresky, has dedicated itself to documenting these lesser-known realities of the 1940s war. Historical records indicate that over 130 requisitioned cargo ships and passenger liners were converted for this purpose, with more than 125,000 Allied prisoners transferred between labor camps via these vessels. Tragically, over 20,000 prisoners perished during these journeys.

A particularly cruel aspect of the Hellships was their deployment within Japanese military convoys. This practice made them unwitting targets for Allied forces, who were unaware that their own comrades were trapped within. The Hōfuku Maru met such a fate on September 21, 1944, when it was struck by an Allied torpedo and sunk. Up to 1,000 British and Dutch prisoners onboard were doomed, their names and faces largely forgotten, and the ship itself lost to time. However, thanks to the diligent work of the Hellships Memorial Foundation and recently uncovered documents, the precise location where the Hōfuku Maru went down has been pinpointed.

This crucial information paved the way for Gates' expedition. Alongside underwater imaging specialist Evan Kovacs and maritime archaeologist Dr. Calvin Mires of Marine Imaging Technologies, LLC, Gates embarked on an adventure to locate this vital wartime relic. Viewers of "Expedition Unknown" Season 17 will witness the painstaking process, beginning with the confirmation of an unknown wreck within their search radius using sonar. Subsequent deepwater dives facilitated imaging, and the findings were meticulously compared to the Hellship's original blueprints. The team made a chilling and impressive discovery: not only did they observe how the torpedo blast broke the ship into two pieces, but they also found human remains among the debris, presumed to be those of the lost POWs.

The two-part premiere will also shed light on the ongoing work of the U.S. Military’s DPAA (Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency), specifically their efforts to retrieve remains from the wreck of the Ōryoku Maru, another notorious Hellship sunk in Subic Bay, Philippines. Josh Gates believes that the work showcased in "Hunt for the Hellships" represents some of the most important content ever featured in "Expedition Unknown." The efforts of the Hellships Memorial Foundation are vital not only for providing a clearer understanding of the atrocities of World War II but also for ensuring these wreckage sites are properly honored, preserved as maritime gravesites, and utilized for education and remembrance. Gates emphasized the significance, stating, "The story of the Hellships is a chapter in the history of WWII that demands to be brought to light. The research and dives that led to this groundbreaking discovery can hopefully offer closure to the families of more than a thousand servicemen who made the ultimate sacrifice. It’s a privilege to work alongside the Hellships Memorial Foundation to honor their memories; they are lost no more."

The profound impact of "Expedition Unknown," which premiered on the Travel Channel in 2015, extends beyond mere education and investigation. Gates aims to inspire viewers to embark on their own adventures, whether by supporting foundations like the Hellships Memorial or simply exploring their surroundings. He expressed profound warmth and humility when recounting stories of how his shows, including "Destination Truth" and its spin-offs, have motivated audiences, young and old, to engage more deeply with their world. He takes immense pride in knowing that his work has inspired many to pursue fields like archaeology, anthropology, and various field sciences, hoping they will one day make their own significant discoveries, much like the recovery of the Hōfuku Maru.

"Expedition Unknown" Season 17 is scheduled to premiere on Wednesday, June 24, at 9 p.m. ET/PT on the Discovery Channel. An exclusive behind-the-scenes video with Gates, exploring the legacy of his on-screen adventures, will also be released.