The USS Shark (SS-314), a Balao-class submarine, was engaged in operations against Japanese maritime targets in the Pacific during World War II. On October 24, 1944, the submarine successfully launched a torpedo attack against the Arisan Maru, a Japanese freighter, in the Bashi Straits. This action represented a significant achievement for the submarine, showcasing the effectiveness of the U.S. Navy's submarine fleet in disrupting Japanese supply lines. Unfortunately, the successful attack would be the last for the Shark as it was reported lost shortly after the engagement. Neither the exact cause of its sinking nor the circumstances leading to its disappearance were known immediately, contributing to the uncertainty and peril faced by submariners during this time.

The loss of the Shark (SS-314) illustrates the broader context of the submarine campaign in the Pacific theater, where U.S. submarines played a key role in countering Japanese naval power and protecting Allied maritime interests. The operational environment of the Pacific was treacherous, with submarines often navigating hazardous waters while engaging in covert operations. While the Shark claimed a successful hit on the Arisan Maru, it ultimately faced its own fate at the hands of enemy detection or hostile marine conditions. The fate of the Shark remained a somber reminder of the risks undertaken by submariners throughout the conflict.