Wreck of American WWII ship found in Indian Ocean

The wreck of the USS Edsall, an American ship sunk in 1942 by Japan, was found near Christmas Island, between Australia and Indonesia.

The Second World War continues to be a source of discoveries, almost 80 years after its end. The wreck of the USS Edsall, an American ship sunk in 1942 by the Japanese army, was found this Monday, November 11, 2024 according to American and Australian officials.

The ship sank on March 1, 1942 while crossing the Indian Ocean after being hit by Japanese bombers. The USS Edsall was nicknamed “the dancing mouse” by the Japanese army because of its ability to escape attacks, recall our colleagues from the Guardian.

More than 150 soldiers on the ship

“I am honored to recognize the role played by the Australian Navy in the discovery of the wreck of the USS Edsall, a warship that occupies a special place in our shared naval histories,” Caroline Kennedy said on Instagram , the United States Ambassador to Australia.

“We will now be able to preserve this important memorial and hope that the families of the heroes who died there will know that their loved ones are resting in peace,” continued the American ambassador.

The Australian Navy located the wreck while carrying out an unrelated mission, using “advanced robotic and autonomous systems normally used for hydrographic surveys”, says Mark Hammond, the head of the Royal Australian Navy. .

“This discovery gives us an opportunity for today's generation of Sailors and Navy civilians to be inspired by their courage and sacrifice,” wrote Lisa Franchetti, chief of naval operations for the U.S. Army, in a statement.

When the American warship was targeted by the Japanese, it was carrying 153 sailors and dozens of Air Force pilots. After initially dodging Japanese strikes, the USS Edsall was ultimately defeated by Japanese bombers.