Doric Star transmitted before she was lost, undoing part of Graf Spee's effort to confuse British trackers. The signal placed the raider in an area where she had already made several attacks, including one of her earliest sinkings. British hunting groups were still well to the south, but the report gave them a reason to steam north rather than continue searching blindly. Graf Spee then remained in the area until 3 December before crossing the Atlantic. That pause further reduced the advantage that concealment and mobility should have given a commerce raider.
Notable Point · 2:21-3:56
Doric Star's signal turns a sinking into a pursuit clue
A radio report from Doric Star disclosed Graf Spee's position and drew British hunting forces north while the raider lingered before crossing the Atlantic.