The identification of the Japanese transport vessel known as the Hellship Hōfuku Maru has been confirmed off the coast of the Philippines by the Hellships Memorial Foundation, eight decades after it sank during World War II.

The site lies near Zambales province on Luzon, more than 30 miles from the previously estimated location, resting at a depth of 160 feet, according to an early June statement released by the Discovery Channel.

This announcement from the foundation was featured in early June on the Discovery Channel program Expedition Unknown.

Japan repurposed over 130 cargo ships and passenger liners during the conflict to transport Allied prisoners of war and forced laborers under brutal conditions.

The vessels earned the nickname Hellships because of the extreme overcrowding and suffering endured on board, with more than 125,000 Allied prisoners carried and an estimated 20,000 perishing during the voyages.

Over 1,000 Allied POWs Lost When Hōfuku Maru Sank

On September 21, 1944, the Hōfuku Maru was struck by an Allied torpedo and went down in under three minutes, resulting in the deaths of more than 1,000 British and over 200 Dutch prisoners in one of the deadliest such incidents of the war.

Foundation researcher John Duresky examined US and Japanese records from military archives to locate a wreck matching the final reported position and specifications of the Hōfuku Maru.

We were absolutely stunned that Japanese sources had information on where the convoy was attacked and what ships were hit - this was a smoking gun, said Hellships Memorial Foundation founder and retired US Naval Officer Randy Anderson.

Expedition Unknown co-executive Josh Gates joined the foundation along with underwater imaging specialist Evan Kovacs and maritime archaeologist Dr. Calvin Mires of Marine Imaging Technologies, LLC, to verify the wreck through a series of deepwater dives.

The team confirmed the identity by locating human remains among the debris and comparing the wreck dimensions to those of the Hōfuku Maru.

The pieces all fit, stated historian Tim Beckensall. The vessel is the right size, in the right place and from the correct period. I am convinced this is the Hōfuku Maru.

WWII Hellships: A Chapter That Must Be Remembered

The story of the Hellships is a chapter in the history of WWII that demands to be brought to light, said Gates. 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 is a privilege to work alongside the Hellships Memorial Foundation to honor their memories; they are lost no more.

In a June statement the foundation noted that the discovery marks an important step in preserving the history of those who suffered and died aboard the Hellships.

Like all Hellship wrecks the site is regarded as a maritime war grave and must be treated with the utmost respect.

No artifacts have been recovered and the Foundation remains committed to remembrance, education, and historical preservation.