After sinking Africa Shell, Graf Spee turned south and east, away from the shipping lanes and the scene of the attack. The detour also carried the raider away from Tribal-class destroyers whose ranging patrols extended far to the south. Had Graf Spee continued north for a few more hours, the forces may have come within sight of one another. Route choice, patrol radius, and a narrowly avoided encounter helped the lone commerce raider survive.
Chapter · 13:29-14:38
Graf Spee's switch-back avoids a destroyer near-miss
The south-easterly turn took Graf Spee away from shipping lanes and from Tribal-class destroyers whose patrol radius created a real chance of contact.