One of the first Swordfish released its torpedo against Conte di Cavour, took fire from the battleship and a nearby destroyer, and ditched beside a floating dock. The British knew only that the aircraft had failed to return. Both crewmen escaped into the water, climbed onto the dock, and watched the remaining attack before the Italians captured them. The observer's recollection puts the aircraft only about 20 feet above the harbour when a wingtip touched the water. Although the aircraft had taken fire, whether damage or the risks of flying so low caused its final loss remains uncertain.
Notable Point · 36:24-38:55
The first torpedo hits Cavour and leaves two prisoners
The opening torpedo aircraft struck Conte di Cavour but ditched beside a floating dock, leaving its pilot and observer to watch the rest of the raid before capture.