The instability of the Chidoris arose from Japanese efforts to circumvent the various naval treaties. They had designed small vessels of around 600 tons, but with the weaponry of a destroyer of twice the displacement. Weight had been saved by lighter construction but gun systems remained complex and heavy. After the launch of the lead ship, its high centre of gravity - even higher than feared - had been noted and efforts made to remedy this. High-speed sea trials showed it to be unstable, however, and further efforts were made to rectify the problem by adding bulges to the hull. Eventually Chidori satisfied the examiners and it was commissioned and the construction of the class, including Tomozuru, proceeded. At the time of its loss, Tomozuru was low on consumables such as fuel or water that would have ballasted it and lowered its centre of gravity. On the other hand, munitions were fully loaded, so the situation was significantly worse than on its sea trials.
Afterwards, the Navy reviewed the cause of the disaster, and ships of the same class was remodeled. This disaster forced the IJN to fix the capsizing problem of their torpedo boats.They were blindfolded so they wouldn't be blinded by the light.Rescuers jumped into the hole, and brought out the survivors amidst the pile of corpses.Once survivors were confirmed, the boat was lifted, and oxygen was provided to a section where survivors were located, the fourth crew quarters.Tatsuta is still not here? She was estimated to arrive by 3PM, right?7:15 PM
Iorizaki, Sasebo BayMarch 12, 4:26PM
2 hours and 20 minutes after Tomozuru was found.
I never want to experience that feeling again.Hurry!They must have encountered problems during their escape. It took them too much time, and their bodies must have been at their limit. Most likely, the two became disoriented while leaving the boat."If I die, please send our regards to our family at Sasebo." The two sailors left the message above as they attempted to leave the boat to get in contact with personnel outside. This time, I can save them!Survivors!?Survivors within the boat, confirmed!Survivors Confirmed!Even if she sank, maybe people onboard are still safe? But how likely with this storm?However, as time went by, suspicions of her floundering became stronger.... She's fine.Huff... Huff...
What is it? Chidori-chan?
Tatsuta-sa...
Why won't you help me?
Tatsuta-san
Kloong klooong
This time, you are within reach of my hands!She hasn't sunk.Tatsuta-OneechanOneechan. Is Tomozuru all right?11:20AM
Tatsuta resumes search.At first, it was believed that she was set adrift due to a malfunction.Come here!I can't give up now!I want to save you!Tomozuru-chanWhy won't you come!?Big sisters from the 12th Destroyer Division said they will help.I see...
That is a big help.12:15PMTomozuru is foundTomozuru! Keep it together!But she has fully capsized.Tomozuru-chan is in no condition to move.There is nobody drifting nearby. If we think of the time that passed, survivors are....klang klangNo!shhhh...Their bodies sank the moment the personnel from Tatsuta caught sight of them.Bring out the rope.It looks impossible to save them by hand. Tatsuta commences towingDon't give up.I will save you.Ah! There!After her towing cable snapped, she needed extra time to replace it. However, she safely makes it back to Sasebo Bay.Tatsuta successfully tows Tomozuru.Working boats gathered around Tomozuru to begin rescue operations.I can save them!How is the oxygen?The two's dangerous actions alerted the crew that the situation was dire.There are still lives within you!... They're late.Don't you sink on me.This time, they are within reach.It was docked, and a hole with a diameter of 50cm was drilled into the hull of the boat.Due to rescue efforts, they were able to save the lives of 13 people, of the 113 originally onboard.The 100 souls of the heroic dead...So may you rest in peace.We won't let your death be in vain.