Two torpedoes tore into Minneapolis, followed almost immediately by a hit that removed New Orleans's bow forward of turret two. Pensacola was struck after passing the damaged ships and returning to the formation's base course. Honolulu's Captain Robert Hayler instead accelerated to thirty knots and manoeuvred sharply through the danger area. Northampton passed the damaged cruisers but did not copy Honolulu's speed or radical turns, and was hit after resuming the same predictable course.
Chapter · 1:11:20-1:16:15
The torpedoes devastate the cruiser column
Torpedo hits cripple Minneapolis, New Orleans, Pensacola, and Northampton, while Honolulu survives by increasing speed and manoeuvring radically.