General Belgrano remained a dangerous surface threat

The former USS Phoenix retained fifteen 6-inch guns and led a surface group capable of inflicting serious damage if it reached the British carriers or amphibious force. HMS Conqueror used proven Mark 8 torpedoes because the newer Tigerfish was still considered unreliable. One hit removed the bow and another exploded near the after machinery spaces, both striking unarmored and unbulged parts of the hull. Open watertight doors compounded the flooding, although General Belgrano remained afloat for about twenty minutes before Captain Héctor Bonzo ordered abandonment.