Microsoft Co-Founder Finds Battleship Wreckage

The wreckage of a massive Japanese battleship which was sunk during World War 2 has been discovered by a research team led by Microsoft’s co-founder.

The technologically advanced Musashi sank during the battle of Leyte off the Philippines more than 70 years ago.

Paul Allen and his research team found the ship on Sunday, more than eight years after their search began.

The Musashi was one of the largest battleships in history and was found as the world marks the 70th anniversary of the war's end.

The ship was commissioned in 1942 and sank in October 1944 in the Sibuyan Sea during the battle, losing half of its 2,400 crew members.

Mr Allen and his team were aboard his super-yacht M/Y Octopus when the discovery was made, using an autonomous underwater vehicle.

Detailed images captured by a high-definition camera mounted on the underwater probe confirmed the wreckage as that of the Musashi.

Mr Allen said: "The Musashi is truly an engineering marvel and as an engineer at heart, I have a deep appreciation for the technology and effort that went into its construction."

He said his interest in the war was inspired by his father's service, adding that he was "honoured" to play a part in finding the vessel.

He plans to work with Japan's government to treat the area of sea as a war grave.

A memorial service could be held at the site in future.

The Battle of Leyte, one of the biggest naval battles in history, ended in a decisive victory for the Allies.