USS Liberty Dead in the Water (2002)
USS Liberty: Dead In The Water is a powerful documentary that unravels the shocking events surrounding the USS Liberty, a United States Navy technical research ship, during the Six-Day War in 1967. Directed by Christopher Mitchell, this film sheds light on a tragic incident that has long remained shrouded in controversy and official explanations.
The Incident:
On June 8, 1967, during the intense conflict between Israel and its neighboring countries, the USS Liberty found itself in the crosshairs. Israeli Air Force jet fighters and Navy motor torpedo boats launched a sudden and brutal attack on the ship. In the span of just two hours, 34 American servicemen lost their lives, and over 170 were wounded.
The Official Explanation:
Israel claimed that the attack was a tragic mistake—a case of mistaken identity. According to their narrative, the USS Liberty was misidentified as an Egyptian vessel. The American government accepted this explanation, and for decades, it stood as the official account.
The Unanswered Questions:
However, skepticism persisted. Many people found it hard to believe that such a catastrophic event could be chalked up to mere misidentification. The film delves into the lingering doubts and unanswered questions:
- Deliberate Attack?: Was the assault on the USS Liberty intentional? Did Israel deliberately target the ship, knowing it belonged to its closest ally, the USA?
- Startling New Evidence: Dead in the Water presents fresh evidence that challenges the official narrative. Former officers from both the US and Israeli armed forces and intelligence services come forward to share their version of events.
- High-Level Interviews: The documentary features interviews with key figures, including Robert McNamara, Secretary of Defense under President Lyndon Johnson, and Admiral Shlomo Errell, former head of the Israeli navy.
- Survivor Accounts: Crew members from the USS Liberty provide firsthand accounts of the chaos, the pain, and the aftermath of the attack.
The Truth Revealed:
Through dramatic reconstructions and access to previously untapped sources, the film uncovers the truth. It suggests that the attack was not accidental but a deliberate act. The Liberty incident had far-reaching consequences—it nearly triggered a US nuclear attack on Egypt from an aircraft carrier in the Mediterranean.
Legacy and Reflection:
USS Liberty: Dead In The Water serves as a stark reminder of the cost of war, the complexities of international relations, and the need for transparency. It challenges us to question official narratives, honor the fallen, and seek justice for those who perished in the line of duty.
In the murky waters of history, the USS Liberty incident remains a haunting chapter—one that compels us to remember, investigate, and strive for a world where truth prevails.
