Unexpected discovery: Second World War shipwreck found in the depths of the Pacific Ocean after 80 years

More than 80 years after its loss, the Royal Australian Navy has unexpectedly located the legendary Second World War destroyer USS Edsall, known by its nickname “The Dancing Mouse”. The destroyer sank in 1942 during a clash with Japanese ships and bombers, and the exact location of the shipwreck had long been shrouded in mystery – until now.

More than eight decades after it disappeared, the Royal Australian Navy has stumbled upon one of the Second World War’s most storied destroyers, the USS Edsall, also known by its nickname, the “Dancing Mouse”. The vessel sank on 1 March 1942 after engaging Japanese ships and bombers in the Pacific Ocean, according to Popular Mechanics.

Served in both World Wars

The 314-foot Clemson-class destroyer entered service during the First World War and was stationed in Asia throughout its entire deployment, right up until the moment it was lost.

Over nearly four decades, it took part in numerous naval exercises and achieved significant military successes in the Second World War, including contributing to the sinking of a Japanese submarine.

However, the ship was damaged in an accident when a depth charge detonated prematurely on deck, limiting its manoeuvrability and rendering it unfit for combat, leading to its reassignment to convoy duty.

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Sunk by Japanese bombers

Despite this, the ship’s commander, Captain Joshua Nix, was unwilling to stand by idly. When a Japanese convoy approached, Nix decided to launch an attack.

The destroyer’s official history was recounted by retired US Rear Admiral Samuel Cox, head of the Naval History and Heritage Command. According to Japanese reports, the Edsall’s movements resembled the playful behaviour of the Japanese dancing mouse, a hugely popular household pet at the time.