An American team of scientists from the Ocean Exploration Trust (OET) discovered a shipwreck believed to be the Teruzuki, an Imperial Japanese Navy destroyer sunk during World War II. The wreck was found on the seabed off Guadalcanal in the Solomon Islands, at a depth of 800 meters in Iron Bottom Sound, an area where many warships sank during intense naval battles in World War II, according to The Straits Times. The Teruzuki sank on December 12, 1942, while transporting supplies to Japanese soldiers on Guadalcanal after being hit and immobilized by US torpedoes during the Battle of Guadalcanal.
The OET utilized the oceanographic vessel E/V Nautilus and two remotely operated underwater vehicles (ROVs) to locate and investigate the wreck. Researchers concluded that the shipwreck was the Teruzuki after the other destroyer known to have sunk in the area had already been found. Specialists recognized the wreck due to its armament, size, and impacts caused by American torpedoes.
The wreck is relatively well-preserved, with the numbers and positions of gun turrets matching those of the Teruzuki. It still bears its turrets, traces of red paint, and several depth charges. The main part of the shipwreck was found on the seabed at a depth of 800 meters, while the broken stern was discovered about 200 meters away.
"The original shape is still in excellent condition, and considering the appearance of the gun turrets, there's no doubt it's the Teruzuki," said Kazushige Todaka, director of the Yamato Museum in Kure, Hiroshima Prefecture, according to The Straits Times. He added, "The Teruzuki was one of the rare destroyers that were designed for anti-aircraft warfare."
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The Teruzuki was launched in November 1941 and was the Imperial Japanese Navy's second Akizuki-class destroyer. Measuring 134 meters in length, it was primarily armed with four 100 mm guns and a quadruple 610 mm torpedo tube. The main mission of the Teruzuki was to escort aircraft carriers, symbolizing the Japanese military's efforts to overcome desperate supply problems during the war.
Under the command of Rear Admiral Raizo Tanaka, the Teruzuki participated in several battles, including the Battle of Guadalcanal, which began in August 1942. During this battle, American forces dislodged the Japanese from the island, preventing the construction of an airfield that could have threatened American lines of communication. The Teruzuki played a notable role by protecting a supply convoy destined for Guadalcanal Island.
At the time of the sinking, Japan had lost air superiority over the Pacific Ocean, resulting in supplies to Guadalcanal being cut off. The Imperial Japanese Navy began transportation missions using destroyers like the Teruzuki to transport supplies in place of transport ships. Most of these operations failed, leading to severe shortages, and many Japanese soldiers on Guadalcanal suffered from starvation, malaria, and other diseases. Over 20,000 Japanese soldiers died on Guadalcanal, many from starvation.
"Seeing the warship helps us understand the hopeless situation faced at that time," said one of the Japanese researchers, according to The Straits Times. "People can understand the reality of war by seeing photos of sunken ships and other evidence, and finds like this can help console the souls of soldiers who died," remarked Professor Kotaro Yamafune, a visiting professor at Kyoto Tachibana University who studies shipwreck archaeology, according to The Straits Times.
On December 12, the Teruzuki was attacked by several American planes and torpedo boats. It sank when two torpedoes ignited its oil tank. About ten crew members of the Teruzuki who were unable to escape died, while approximately one hundred sailors were rescued by nearby Japanese vessels. The damage on the ship matches testimonies of former crew members who survived the sinking.
Iron Bottom Sound was the scene of five major naval battles between August and December 1942. These battles resulted in the loss of more than 20,000 human lives, 111 ships, and 1,450 aircraft. Many remnants of World War II still lie in the waters of the Pacific Ocean. The condition of the Teruzuki wreck is at risk of deteriorating due to corrosion.
"This must be a global concern. A number of warships sunk during World War II are in danger and threatened with collapse," warned Japanese scientist and researcher Jun Kimura, part of the underwater expedition, according to Le Figaro. The Ocean Exploration Trust had another success in 2023 when it took photos of the wreck of the Akagi, an aircraft carrier that was sunk in the Battle of Midway in 1942. The OET, which continues its explorations in the Solomon Islands until July 25, highlights these discoveries on its website.