at 2326, "harukaze" and "hatakaze" launched torpedoes. at 2330, "shirakumo" and "murakumo" also launched torpedoes. altogether, the japanese launched about 90 torpedoes in the engagement. "perth", low on ammunition, was making when the first torpedo hit her forward engine room. two more torpedoes hit her forward magazine and aft under "x" turret, and she sank east-northeast of st. nicholas point at after a fourth torpedo hit. at 0045, "houston" sank at .