A renowned Japanese destroyer, which was sunk by U.S. torpedoes during a crucial battle in World War II, has been located on the Pacific Ocean floor over 80 years after its demise, as revealed by an exploration team. The warship, named Teruzuki, was discovered with unused depth charges still onboard. The Imperial Japanese Navy vessel was found by a remotely operated vehicle at a depth of more than 2,600 feet near the Solomon Islands, as announced by the Ocean Exploration Trust on Saturday.
According to the trust, this marks the first time Teruzuki has been sighted since its sinking during WWII’s naval battles off Guadalcanal. Images and footage of the wreckage were released by the trust, highlighting the intact stern that provided new insights into the ship’s final moments. The discovery showed that the vessel was damaged by torpedo strikes rather than the detonation of its own depth charges, as previously believed. Notably, the deck rail still showcased visible depth charges.
Teruzuki, translating to “Shiny Moon” in Japanese, was under the command of Rear Admiral Raizou Tanaka, known as “Tenacious Tanaka” for his daring attacks and supply missions dubbed the “Tokyo Express.” The destroyer played a significant role in naval engagements, including its successful deployment of weaponry in November 1942, where it helped sink two U.S. destroyers and severely damaged two other American battleships.
Tragically, on December 12, 1942, the Teruzuki was the target of American PT boats while defending a convoy of supply ships on Guadalcanal. Hit by two U.S. torpedoes, the ship’s rudder was destroyed, leading to its eventual sinking. Most of the crew survived, but nine men lost their lives as the Teruzuki descended to the ocean floor. Confirming the ship’s identity as the Japanese Imperial Navy vessel Teruzuki required the expertise of archaeological specialists and historical references from the battlefield.
A remotely operated camera deployed by the Exploration Vessel (E/V) Nautilus captured the first visuals of the wreck on July 10. The mammoth warship appeared split, with its stern and hull separated by 650 feet on the seafloor while its munitions remained intact. The eerie footage unveiled the stern armed with numerous depth charges, prompting caution due to the sensitivity of Japanese ordnance from that period.
The team observed that the ship’s forward artillery turrets were pointing towards the sky, adding to the intriguing discoveries made during the exploration. Disproving a longstanding theory, the presence of depth charges on the severed segment of Teruzuki’s stern cast new light on the circumstances leading to the ship’s demise. The finding is significant not only for its historical value but also for the insights it provides into this chapter of naval warfare.
In the Solomon Islands, located about 600 miles northeast of Australia, the waters of Iron Bottom Sound were the backdrop for five significant naval battles between August and December 1942. This region held great strategic importance during World War II as it became a sought-after territory for both Japan and the Allied Forces. The island of Guadalcanal, with its vital airfield and strategic location commanding shipping lanes in the area, played a crucial role in the conflict.
Decades later, in this expedition to Iron Bottom Sound, the Ocean Exploration Trust delves into the history of those fateful battles. More than 20,000 lives, 111 naval vessels, and 1,450 planes were lost during these intense confrontations between the Allied forces and the Empire of Japan. Despite the elapsed time, the search for sunken military ships continues, with only 30 of the lost vessels discovered so far.
The Ocean Exploration Trust highlights the commitment of both sides to control Guadalcanal and its surroundings through significant naval and air resources. Numerous warships, including the recently discovered Teruzuki, met their fate in Iron Bottom Sound. The trust also mentions the discovery of the bow of the USS New Orleans and the history behind these vessels, like the USS Laffey, which fell victim to the Teruzuki during the conflict.
Teruzuki, a destroyer with a name meaning shining moon, was part of the Akizuki-class and played a role in protecting aircraft carriers from aerial threats. The secrecy surrounding Japanese naval ships during World War II adds to the significance of uncovering details about the Teruzuki and its role in history.
The perseverance of the research team, including members like Hiroshi Ishii from Kyoto University, sheds light on this important chapter of international history. Discoveries such as the Teruzuki wreck provide valuable insights into maritime heritage and contribute to a deeper understanding of the past. This ongoing exploration serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made and the lessons learned during this tumultuous period in world history.
