 After futile attempts at controlling the blaze , most of the crew remaining on Hiryū were evacuated and the remainder of the fleet continued sailing northeast in an attempt to intercept the American carriers . Despite a scuttling attempt by a Japanese destroyer that hit her with a torpedo and then departed quickly , Hiryū stayed afloat for several more hours , being discovered early the next morning by an aircraft from the escort carrier Hōshō and prompting hopes she could be saved , or at least towed back to Japan . Soon after being spotted , Hiryū sank . Rear @-@ Admiral Tamon Yamaguchi , together with the ship 's captain <unk> Kaku , chose to go down with the ship , costing Japan perhaps her best carrier officer . 
