At about 05:10, a lookout on the starboard (right) side of "Liscome Bay" reported seeing a torpedo headed for the ship. The torpedo struck behind the after engine room, as "Liscome Bay" was conducting its turn, and detonated the bomb magazine, causing a devastating explosion that engulfed the ship and sent shrapnel flying as far as away. Considerable debris fell on the battleship "New Mexico" about off, while a sailor on board the escort carrier "Coral Sea" was reportedly hit by a fire extinguisher from "Liscome Bay". The entire task force was rocked by the explosion, but no other ships were significantly damaged. A mushroom cloud erupted, rising thousands of feet above the wreck of "Liscome Bay".