The surviving elements of Divisions 45 and 46 regrouped and engaged the Japanese stragglers, helping sink Sendai and drive off the remaining northern group. Water in Spence's fuel line reduced her speed and caused her to fall out of formation. Division 45 fired on her by mistake without causing damage. Later, the American cruisers ceased fire because they could not distinguish Spence from a Japanese straggler. Division 45 came to her assistance after she exhausted her ammunition, and the straggler proved to be the badly damaged Hatsukaze, which was sunk at daylight. With fuel and ammunition running low, Merrill broke off the pursuit and ordered the ships to rendezvous with Foote so the force could return together.
Chapter · 1:05:47-1:08:08
Spence lost speed as identification problems persisted
Spence's reduced speed and uncertain identity complicated the pursuit before Hatsukaze was sunk and dwindling fuel and ammunition forced the Americans to regroup.