Yorktown remained afloat overnight, and Hughes rescued two men who had been left aboard after one attracted attention with a machine gun. Buckmaster returned with 29 officers and 141 crew, while five destroyers screened the operation and the tug Vireo began towing. Hammann came alongside to supply pumps and electrical power. The salvage party removed top-weight, including 5-inch guns, and reduced the carrier's list by about two degrees. I-168 then penetrated the screen and fired a spread that sank Hammann and struck Yorktown twice. Hammann's depth charges exploded as she sank, killing men in the water and further damaging the carrier: an auxiliary generator shifted, hangar fires started, and rivets sheared in the foremast structure. The salvage crew withdrew, and Vireo cut the tow to help rescue survivors.
Notable Point · 1:54:17-1:58:06
Hammann's loss and depth charges undo Yorktown's salvage work
Outside power, pumps, and towing gave Yorktown another chance, until a submarine attack and Hammann's exploding depth charges ended the salvage effort.