WWII Destroyer USS Edsall Found After 80 Years in Indian Ocean

The sunken WWII destroyer, USS Edsall, has been located over eight decades after it was lost to Japanese forces in the Indian Ocean. The Royal Australian Navy’s discovery was announced on November 11, aligning with Veteran’s Day and Remembrance Day. The shipwreck, resting at the ocean’s bottom, serves as a powerful reminder of sacrifice for both U.S. and Australian naval forces.

The USS Edsall’s Final Battle

Commissioned in 1920, the USS Edsall protected Allied convoys during WWII, defending against Japanese attacks. On March 1, 1942, Japanese forces engaged the Edsall in a prolonged assault. The destroyer maneuvered with such agility that Japanese soldiers nicknamed it the “dancing mouse.” Though it evaded countless shelling attempts, the Edsall eventually succumbed after hours, sinking with over 200 crew members. This tragic loss marked the destroyer as “a hallowed site,” according to the U.S. Navy.

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Discovery and Technological Efforts

Using advanced robotics and autonomous systems, typically reserved for hydrographic surveys, the Royal Australian Navy found the wreck deep in the Indian Ocean. Vice Admiral Mark Hammond confirmed these innovative technologies played a pivotal role in locating the Edsall. However, the condition of the wreck or plans for its preservation remain undisclosed.

Honoring Fallen Heroes

The discovery adds another chapter to the USS Edsall’s story, allowing the memory of its crew to live on. U.S. Ambassador to Australia Caroline Kennedy expressed hopes that this discovery will bring peace to the families of those who perished. She emphasized the importance of remembering these heroes, learning from their bravery, and honoring their sacrifice.

A Reminder of Naval Sacrifice

The Edsall’s discovery was closely followed by the confirmation of another wartime shipwreck: a British cruiser lost off Scotland’s coast during WWI. Both discoveries underscore the risks and sacrifices of naval forces in history’s greatest conflicts, highlighting the power of modern technology in revealing these “lost” memorials to courage and duty.