The first Long Lance hit destroyed Helena's foremost turret, tore away the bow, and weakened bulkheads beneath the second turret. The cruiser initially maintained 25 knots and continued firing despite the extra drag and structural strain. The timing and different hit depths suggest that Helena may have crossed portions of two destroyer torpedo salvos rather than one. Two deeper torpedoes then struck in quick succession below the protection offered by the belt, flooding machinery spaces and destroying propulsion and electrical power. With the watertight central core compromised, the captain ordered abandonment within minutes, showing why underwater damage remained the class's decisive weakness. Ainsworth's attention to the continuing battle delayed recognition that a cruiser had been lost and therefore delayed the survivor response.
Chapter · 1:27:20-1:31:45
Three Long Lances sink Helena at Kula Gulf
The first torpedo tore away Helena's bow; two deeper hits then destroyed power and propulsion and compromised the watertight core that kept the cruiser afloat.