 Information about safe entry into the harbor had been accidentally omitted from "President Coolidge"s sailing orders, and on her approach to Santo on 26 October, "President Coolidge", fearing Japanese submarines and unaware of the mine fields, tried to enter the harbor through the largest and most obvious channel.A mine struck the ship in the engine room, and moments later a second mine hit her near her stern.Captain Henry Nelson, knowing that he was going to lose the ship, ran her aground and ordered troops to abandon ship.