In 1944, Destroyer 「Sazanami」, together with 「Akebono」 left Rabaul to participate as the transport mission's escort. On 14 January at midday, they were cruising at the assembly point, waiting for tankship Kokuyou maru.

While they waited for the missing Kokuyou maru, Sazanami was hit with three torpedoes by American submarine USS Albacore. An explosion at the gunpowder and ammunition storeroom sank her instantly.

The incident occured 300 nautical miles southeast of Yap island at 03°30′N, 141°34′E.