 "Auk" refueling at sea from "Black Hawk" while approaching Bermuda on 11 November, an event necessitated by the discovery two days before that the after peak tank had leaked salt water, thus contaminating the oil.Reducing speed to conserve fuel, "Auk" was taken in tow by "Swallow" later that day, the former hoisting sail to help in keeping on course.On the morning of the 10th, "Auk" went alongside "Black Hawk" in an attempt at underway replenishment, only to have the fuel hose carry away and foul the minesweeper's propeller.