As Spain departed the Philippines, it abandoned four gunboats to a watery grave. For years, they slumbered at the bottom of Lake Lanao, their existence only a rumor back up on the surface. But when the Americans arrive in Marawi, they are determined to bring these ghost ships back to life.

Follow us on IG: @thecolonialdept

Follow us on TikTok: @thecolonialdept

Email us: thecolonialdept@gmail.com

References:

Hitt, Parker (February 1938). “Amphibious Infantry—A Fleet on Lake Lanao.” US Naval Institute Proceedings, pp. 1-6.

Mastura, Datu Michael Ong (2023). The Rulers of Magindanao in Modern History, 1515–1903: Continuity and Change in a Traditional Realm in the Southern Philippines. Ateneo de Manila University Press.

Ibrahim, Noralia U. & Ali, Abubacar A. (January 2023). “A Short History of Lanao and the Origin and Arts of their Traditional Weaponry.” International Journal of Recent Advances in Multidisciplinary Topics, 4(1), pp. 73-81.

Mitiuckov, Nick (1996-2023). “Spanish 3rd Class Gunboats.” Spanish American War Centennial Website. https://www.spanamwar.com/span3rdclassgunboats.htm

Teideman, Jess. “The bends: anatomy of decompression sickness.” Australian Geographic.

Naga, Pipilawan O. (2011) “Lake Lanao: An Ancient Lake in Distress.” Shiga University Environmental Research Center Annual Research Report, 8(1), pp. 25-33.