[1] Allied radar tracked a fleeing enemy ship headed at high speed straight to Bambari Harbor. It looked like a deliberate course to beach and they assumed it was crippled. They later noted the wreck there bombed in the daytime. Now that NIIZUKI has been found it is clear this was indeed NAGATSUKI.

[2] After NAGATSUKI ran aground SATSUKI, AMAGIRI and HATSYUKI had gone on to Vila and landed their passengers and cargo. But after that, SATSUKI and HATSUYUKI retired via Blackett Strait and risking the mines there that had destroyed Desdiv 15 rather than chancing encountering the U.S. surface forces again. HAMAKAZE and MIKAZUKI of the 1st Transport Unit that had already disembarked at Vila had made the same decision. However, AMAGIRI of the 2nd and MOCHIZUKI of the 1st Unit opted for the risk of surface battle and went home via Kula Gulf. In doing so they survived a brief skirmish with the U.S. forces pre-occupied with the HELENA surivors rescue.

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