Pursuit of an Italian convoy exposed ships from Forces B and K to a minefield. Neptune sank and Aurora suffered damage. Kandahar struck a mine while trying to help Neptune and had to be scuttled the next day. Increased bombing of Malta added to the pressure on the surviving ships, leading to their withdrawal apart from Penelope.
Notable Point · 4:38:41-4:39:24
The minefield that crippled the Malta striking forces
A convoy pursuit led to the loss of Neptune and Kandahar, damage to Aurora, and a reduced British surface presence.