with all objectives taken it was decided to evacuate the island and the greeks and the sbs withdrew with the booty and prisoners. a small section of sbs remained on the island until the last possible moment. two german motor launches attempted to land but the sbs opened fire, setting the two ships on fire as they tried to withdraw. the last of the men to leave on a barge ran into an e-boat but with enough captured weapons and ammunition they were able to open fire and sink the vessel for no loss.