Documentary Chronicles Forgotten WWII Tragedy, 'The Sinking of the Lisbon Maru'

Fang Li’s documentary “The Sinking of the Lisbon Maru” vividly brings to life a tragic chapter of World War II history. The film explores the sinking of the Lisbon Maru on October 1, 1942, a Japanese cargo ship that was transporting 700 troops along with more than 1,800 British prisoners of war (POWs). The USS Grouper's torpedo strike transformed the vessel's function as both a troop carrier and POW transport into a tragic humanitarian crisis.

Survivors shared gripping accounts of being left in the water by their captors, with the brave actions of Chinese fishermen from Zhoushan providing a beacon of hope. The fishermen, putting their own lives on the line, saved numerous POWs from the sea, a tale that profoundly impacted Fang when he first learned of it in 2014.

Fang devoted almost ten years to revealing the truth, meticulously exploring archives from five nations and conducting interviews throughout the U.S., Canada, Japan, Hong Kong, the U.K., and China. Filming began in 2018, alongside thorough research and endeavors to find survivors and their descendants.

The documentary pays tribute to the victims and survivors while highlighting the Zhoushan fishermen's humanity. “It’s a narrative of sorrow and optimism, linking countries through a common past,” Fang remarked.

The sinking of the Lisbon Maru highlights a largely overlooked event, ensuring that the courage and determination of those involved will be commemorated for future generations.

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