An American warship sunk by Japanese dive bombers during World War II has finally been found, more than 80 years later.

The USS Edsall was attacked shortly after Pearl Harbor in 1942 and sank, causing enormous loss of life. The wreck, discovered by chance at the bottom of the Indian Ocean, is the final resting place of more than 200 soldiers.

There were no survivors from the attack, which was later used in Japanese propaganda.

The 314-foot destroyer was discovered by the Australian Navy last year, but the development was only announced this week.

“Captain Joshua Nix and his crew fought valiantly, dodging 1,400 shells from Japanese battleships and cruisers before being attacked by 26 dive bombers, suffering only one fatal hit,” said Caroline Kennedy, US ambassador to Australia.

On the day it was sunk, the USS Edsall was shelled by Japanese warships but managed to escape them using extreme maneuvers and smoke screens – leading a Japanese fighter to describe the Edsall like a “dancing mouse”.

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The Australian Navy made the surprise discovery while conducting an unrelated and unspecified mission in the region.

Its personnel used “advanced robotic and autonomous systems normally used for hydrographic survey capabilities to locate the USS Edsall on the seabed,” Australian Navy chief Vice Admiral Mark Hammond said.

He paid tribute to the American ship, saying it “occupies a special place in our naval history.”

“The USS Edsall served valiantly during the Second World War, including the early Pacific campaigns. She operated alongside Australian warships protecting our shores and played a role in the sinking of the Japanese submarine I124 at wide of Darwin.”

He added: “As we reflect on the legacy of the USS Edsall, we pay tribute to the sailors who faced enormous challenges with courage and determination.”