US WWII Warship Found in Australian Waters After 80 Years

In a significant discovery that sheds new light on one of history's most pivotal battles, the wreckage of the USS Edsall, a US destroyer lost during World War II, has been found in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of Australia.

The Edsall, which served under the command of Lieutenant Joshua Nix, sank on March 1, 1942, after engaging with Imperial Japanese forces. The ship earned the nickname "dancing mouse" for its impressive evasion maneuvers during a fierce battle in December 1941, CNN reported.

US Ambassador to Australia Caroline Kennedy announced the discovery, praising the bravery and determination of Lieutenant Nix and his crew. Despite being outnumbered, the Edsall's crew successfully evaded 1,400 shells from Japanese battleships and cruisers before receiving attack from 26 carrier dive bombers, which took only one fatal hit.

The wreck was discovered using advanced hydrographic survey capabilities aboard the naval support ship MV Stoker. Australia's Chief of Navy, Vice Admiral Mark Hammond, praised the Edsall crew for their heroic efforts in protecting Australia during a critical period in the war.

According to historical records, the Japanese destroyer spied the USS Edsall around 200 miles south-southeast of Christmas Island on December 6, 1941. This led to a confrontation that would prove fatal for the American ship. The loss of the Edsall marked one of the first major setbacks for the US Pacific Fleet during World War II.

Historians have long been fascinated by the story of Lieutenant Joshua Nix and his crew's valiant defense against overwhelming odds. The discovery of the USS Edsall's wreckage has provided a unique opportunity to study these events in greater detail, shedding new light on this pivotal moment in history.