A Navy destroyer with more than 200 crew members onboard that was sunk by Japan more than 80 years ago during World War II has been located at the bottom of the Indian Ocean.
The finding of the USS Edsall by the Royal Australian Navy was confirmed by U.S. Ambassador to Australia Caroline Kennedy in a statement on Monday.
“The Royal Australian Navy recently located and helped identify the USS Edsall, a World War II, Clemson-class destroyer that was sunk off the coast of Australia in March 1942,” she said. “Captain Joshua Nix and his crew fought valiantly, evading 1,400 shells from Japanese battleships and cruisers before being attacked by 26 carrier dive bombers, taking only one fatal hit. There were no survivors.”
The 314-foot destroyer was commissioned in 1920. During World War II, the Edsall helped protect other vessels from Japanese attacks in Australian waters.
"This is part of our continuing efforts to honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice," continued Kennedy. "We will now be able to preserve this important memorial and hope that the families of the heroes who died there will know their loved ones rest in peace. We will tell their stories, learn from their bravery, and be inspired by their sacrifice. We will always remember them."
Royal Australian Navy Vice Admiral Mark Hammond said working in collaboration with the US Navy, the Royal Australian Navy used advanced robotic and autonomous systems, normally used for hydrographic survey capabilities, to locate the destroyer.
“This cutting-edge technology operating from ADV Stoker and other vessels in our fleet is an example of the capability our Navy contributes to Australia’s defense and to our alliances,” he said.
No further details about the ship’s condition or how it will be preserved were provided.
Reach Julia LeDoux at Julia@connectingvets.com.