Battle of Cape Esperance
On another mission on 11–12 October 1942, as "Murakumo" was attempting to assist the cruiser in the aftermath of the Battle of Cape Esperance, she was attacked by Allied aircraft. Three near misses, a torpedo hit and then a bomb hit left the ship unmaneuverable and aflame, with 22 crewmen dead. The destroyer rescued survivors, including "Murakumo"s skipper, Lieutenant Commander Higashi, then scuttled "Murakumo" with a torpedo west-northwest of Savo Island at position .