Beach compared locating Pearl Bank Passage to threading a needle: missing the deep-water gap could drive Triton's bow into coral. Low land was difficult to detect by radar or periscope, while a nearby merchant ship and a nearly glassy sea restricted how freely the crew could expose those instruments. The merchantman's higher bridge gave it a better view, whereas Triton had to proceed slowly at periscope depth to check her position. Variable currents added to the navigator's uncertainty. Triton reversed course, let the merchantman pass, and followed it through the passage.
Chapter · 2:44:13-2:48:02
Threading Pearl Bank Passage with an uncertain position
Low land, restricted periscope exposure, and variable currents forced Triton to slow down and let a merchant ship precede her through a narrow coral passage.