4. The Battle of Sacheonpo (May 29, 1592)
| |
Joseon fleet |
Japanese fleet |
| Commander |
Admiral Yi sun-shin, Won gyun |
Unknown |
| Strength |
26 panokships and 20 small vessels |
13 ships |
| Casualties and losses |
None |
13 ships destroyed |
His fleet maneuvered formation and trained themselves until May 27. Admiral Yi discussed next tactics with his subordinate officers and decided to combine his fleet with Jeolla eastern fleet. He sent message and was supposed to meet them on June 3. On May 27, Won gyun sent message that his fleet was under attack of Japanese, he had to leave before Jeolla eastern fleet joined his fleet on May 29.
After Won gyun’s fleet joined his fleet, they chased one Japanese warship and found more ships which were anchoring in Sacheon port. Admiral Yi ordered to make the formation, Jansajin, which ships station a line north-to-south and tried to reach this port, because the sea off port was shallow and the tide was ebbing. He tried to entice Japanese from the port, but about 200 Japanese counterattacked by matchlock in the port. Opportunely, tide changed and his fleet could reach port. He employed Geobukseon at this battle for the first time. Geobukseon led fleet and rushed to Japanese. Soon, Japanese abandoned ships and fled to the land. His fleet destroyed all ships. Admiral Yi was wounded his left shoulder by matchlock.