WHAT: The University of Rhode Island’s Inner Space Center team will live-stream a dive of historic Japanese submarines off Pearl Harbor. A remotely operated vehicle deployed off the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s ship, Okeanos Explorer, will explore two mini submarines that sank after the attack on Pearl Harbor 75 years ago. This will be the first time the public will be able to view a live underwater exploration of these submarines in real time.

 WHEN: Wednesday, Dec. 7, 11:30 a.m. The public can view the live stream at www.innerspacecenter.org. The media is welcome to view the event in the center’s mission control facility at URI’s Graduate School of Oceanography, 15 Pier Road, Narragansett.

WHO: A team of maritime archaeologists and scientists from NOAA’s Office of National Marine Sanctuaries and Office of Ocean Exploration and Research will participate in the live-stream of the dive. The remotely operated vehicle will send back images of the wreck.

WHY: On the morning of Dec. 7, 1941, U.S. naval vessels and aircraft on patrol outside Pearl Harbor spotted a partially submerged submarine trying to enter the harbor. Ninety minutes before Pearl Harbor was bombed by air the destroyer USS Ward fired on the submarine, sinking it. The event marks the first U.S. shots fired and the country’s entry into World War II in the Pacific.

URI’s Inner Space Center is the national facility that supports ocean research and exploration missions using advanced telepresence technology to deliver live content from the ocean depths.

To set up an interview please call, Elizabeth Rau at 401-480-6388.