 Mistaking the Japanese strike aircraft as friendly , the U.S. destroyers withheld fire until the " Val " s began their attack . Beginning at 14 : 53 , destroyer USS De Haven was rapidly hit by three bombs and sank almost immediately 2 mi ( 1 @.@ 7 nmi ; 3 @.@ 2 km ) south of Savo Island with the loss of 167 of her crew , including her captain . Destroyer USS Nicholas was damaged by several near @-@ misses . Five " Val " s and three Zeros were lost to anti @-@ aircraft fire and CAF fighters . The CAF lost three Wildcats in the engagement . 
