BASIC SHIP DATA

This was a small aircraft carrier. She was laid down in 1929, launched in 1931 and commissioned in 1933.

Displacement 7,100 tons
Length 167 meters
Beam 19.8 meters
Draft 4.7 meters
Flight Deck Length 162 meters
Power 40,000 hp
Top Speed 25 knots
Aircraft 24 planes
Guns (127mm dual purpose guns) twelve and (25mm automatic guns) twenty-three
Crew 600 men

DAMAGE TO and LOSS OF the SHIP

RYUZYO was attacked by United States aircraft in the Battle of the Solomon Islands. The ship was hit by a total of eight 500 KG bombs (1,000 pounds) which were dropped by dive bombers from USS SARATOGA. The resulting major fires that broke out were impossible to extinguish and blazed out of control. The ship sank in less than one hour after the attack.

CONCLUSION

RYUZYO suffered fatal damage from the action; being hit by at least four (probably eight) 500 KG bombs. She was enveloped in flames, making damage-control and fire-fighting impossible. She sank, totally enveloped in flames.