Boise survives a magazine hit at Cape Esperance

At Cape Esperance, one Japanese shell burst against Boise's armor with little effect, while another penetrated below the waterline. The underwater hit exploded in a forward 6-inch magazine, ignited powder, flooded compartments, and disabled all three forward turrets. The resulting fire and blast killed 107 sailors, yet the cruiser survived, making the action a sharp lesson in how hit location could matter more than simple shell caliber. The damage disabled the entire forward battery without destroying the ship, underlining both the danger of a magazine hit and the value of the cruiser's protected subdivision.