Battle of Empress Augusta Bay
On 2 November 1943, while attacking an Allied task force off Bougainville in the Battle of Empress Augusta Bay, "Hatsukaze" collided with the cruiser . The collision sheared off her bow, leaving her dead in the water. "Hatsukaze" and the light cruiser were sunk (at position ) by Allied destroyer gunfire. Of those on board, 164 were killed, including its commanding officer, Lieutenant Commander Buichi Ashida.