Wreck of US Warship Discovered off Australian Coast, 80 Years After Sinking

In a groundbreaking discovery, the wreckage of the USS Edsall, a US destroyer that sank in a battle during the Second World War, has been found in the depths of the Pacific Ocean, off the coast of Australia.

The ship, which was commissioned in 1920, went down on March 1, 1942, after being engaged by the Imperial Japanese Navy. At the time, it was under the command of Lieutenant Joshua Nix, who would later be immortalized as a symbol of defiance against overwhelming odds.

According to the US Naval History and Heritage Command (NHHC), Nix and his crew fought valiantly, evading over 1,400 shells from Japanese battleships and cruisers before being attacked by carrier dive bombers. Despite being outgunned and outnumbered, the Edsall's crew managed to inflict significant damage on the enemy ships.

The wreck of the USS Edsall was discovered using advanced hydrographic survey capabilities aboard the naval support ship MV Stoker, with Australia's chief of navy, Vice Admiral Mark Hammond, praising the bravery of Nix and his crew. The ship played a major role in protecting Australia during the early days of World War II.

According to Hammond, "The USS Edsall was instrumental in defending our nation during a critical period in our history. We are forever grateful for their service and sacrifice."

The discovery of the wreck is expected to shed new light on this pivotal moment in Australian and US military history, offering valuable insights into the tactics and strategies employed by both sides during the Second World War.

Lieutenant Joshua Nix's bravery and determination in the face of overwhelming odds have become legendary, and his legacy will live on through the discovery of his ship's final resting place.