Since the torpedo tube was open, the planes in dive position, rudder hard over, I believe they were trying to attack the minelayer, perhaps even with a down the throat shot(not sure if torpedo was still in tube, not sure if they could tell or not) and the minelayer roared overhead, they were trying to evade and the "golden BB" aka perfectly placed depth charge got them.Even if the pressure hull was not breeched the boat was badly damaged.
Perhaps some made it out and Japanese took prisoners but none lived to tell the tale? Japanese records were lost, destroyed or just not accurate.The Japanese kept many POW's secret, O Kane was not known to be alive until war was over.
Would be cool if someone could find the Tang...
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