Wreck of Japanese WWII destroyer Teruzuki discovered still armed 80 years later

In July 2025, maritime experts announced the discovery of the Japanese Imperial Navy destroyer Teruzuki, which sank more than 80 years ago during World War II. It was located more than 2,600 feet below the surface near the Solomon Islands, marking the first time anyone has seen the ship since its sinking during the naval battles off Guadalcanal in 1942. The ship was revealed to still have armed munitions, including unused depth charges, illustrating both the historical significance of the wreck and the dangers posed by unexploded ordnance from the war. The Teruzuki was an Akizuki-class destroyer that played a pivotal role in the naval engagements around Guadalcanal, where it contributed to the sinking of two U.S. destroyers and severely damaged two battleships before being hit by U.S. torpedoes, which ultimately led to its demise. The expedition team, using a remotely operated vehicle, captured images and video of the wreck, providing rare insights into the ship's condition and construction. Additionally, researchers debunked a long-held theory that depth charges caused the ship's sinking; they found a severed segment of the stern littered with these munitions. Earlier in July 2025, quite close to the discovery of the Teruzuki, the same exploration team announced the identification of the severed bow of the American warship USS New Orleans during seafloor mapping operations in the area. The Solomon Islands, where these discoveries were made, were key locations during World War II, with numerous ships sunk in the surrounding waters during intense combat for control over the region. Historical records indicate that during the battles, both Allied and Axis forces lost numerous vessels and lives, making the area one of the deepest maritime graveyards of the conflict. The discovery of the Teruzuki adds to the growing collection of warship wrecks found in Iron Bottom Sound, a site known for being the watery gravesite of countless warships and aircraft from both the Japanese and Allied forces. As international teams continue to explore these sites, it allows for new historical disclosures and appreciation of the impacts of World War II on the Pacific region. Exploring these wrecks not only unveils forgotten stories but also raises awareness about the remnants of war that still threaten underwater exploration with unexploded munitions.