US Warship Wreck Found in Pacific After 80 Years

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - In a significant discovery, the wreckage of USS Edsall, a US destroyer that went down during World War II, has been located in the depths of the Pacific Ocean.

The ship, commanded by Lt. Joshua Nix at the time, met its demise in 1942 off the coast of Australia while engaging with Imperial Japanese Navy forces. The incident took place just six months into the war and is still recalled today as a significant battle fought on Australian soil.

According to US Ambassador to Australia Caroline Kennedy, who made the announcement, Lt. Nix and his crew bravely evaded over 1,400 shells from Japanese battleships and cruisers before being attacked by 26 carrier dive bombers. Despite taking one fatal hit, they managed to inflict significant damage on their enemies before succumbing to the attack.

Australian Chief of Navy, Vice Admiral Mark Hammond, praised Lt. Nix and his crew for their heroic efforts in defending Australia during a critical period in history. The wreck, located approximately 200 miles south-southeast of Christmas Island, was discovered using advanced hydrographic survey capabilities aboard the MV Stoker naval support ship.

Historical records suggest that the Edsall encountered Japanese forces within 16 miles of their positions, which "incensed" Vice Admiral Chuichi Nagumo and led to his orders for intercept. However, Lt. Nix's command was eventually overwhelmed by the superior firepower of the Japanese fleet.

In a defiant act, Nix ordered his crew to fight on despite being under heavy attack, with some describing their movements as "slippery." Unfortunately, this bravery came too late, and the ship was ultimately sunk after suffering significant damage from both fire and aerial attacks.

US Naval History and Heritage Command official Samuel Cox noted that Lt. Nix's actions were reminiscent of a famous cartoon character, where a tiny mouse dares to confront a large eagle. Cox credited Nix with choosing to "make a fight of it" in his final moments, sparking the courage of his crew.

This remarkable discovery is set to shed new light on an important chapter in Australia's wartime history and honor the bravery of Lt. Joshua Nix and his crew.