"redfish" found the convoy on the evening of 17 august, and maneuvered into position to launch four torpedoes at a large ship and a fifth torpedo at the escort carrier. "eiyo maru" was hit by a torpedo at 0524 on 18 august. "asakaze" and "yūnagi" were detached to escort the damaged ship back to takao as a typhoon developed with force 12 winds from the southeast. "picuda" and "spadefish" were unable to locate the convoy in the deteriorating visibility, and heavy seas loosened plates on the superstructure of "redfish". the convoy became scattered and disorganized in heavy weather and darkness.