Uncertainty over whether the illuminated ships were friendly delayed Vincennes until Japanese fire settled the question. Her captain ordered an increase to twenty-five knots, but two Chōkai torpedoes had already inflicted severe damage. Kinugasa and Kako joined the attack, and roughly seventy-four shell hits plus another torpedo destroyed every boiler room and spread fires throughout the ship. Vincennes caused limited damage in return before her captain ordered abandonment and the cruiser sank. The escorting destroyers Helm and Wilson struggled to see the Japanese ships and neither dealt nor received damage despite attempting to engage.
Chapter · 1:15:14-1:16:58
Vincennes hesitates before overwhelming Japanese fire
Vincennes delays against uncertain searchlights, then suffers torpedoes and roughly seventy-four shell hits while nearby destroyers fail to find the attackers.