British aerial reconnaissance detected the cruisers during an earlier attempt to carry supplies from Palermo towards Tripoli. Admiral Toscano judged surprise lost, with radio traffic, an air attack and worsening seas adding to the danger. He returned to Palermo and faced criticism for abandoning the attempt. Renewing the mission left a further difficulty: aircraft in Libya could not provide cover because they lacked the fuel the cruisers were bringing. Resupply was required before that air protection could become available.
Notable Point · 8:10:18-8:11:43
Why the first Italian fuel run turned back
Detection and worsening conditions stopped an earlier supply attempt, while the fuel shortage also prevented cover from Libya.