 Karpf then issued via wireless a report to headquarters that gave his position, speed, and bearing.This message was intercepted and decrypted by the Russians; coincidentally, the Russian fleet had planned an operation to bombard Memel the following day, and several cruisers had put to sea on 1 July.Four Russian armored cruisers, with the powerful armored cruiser steaming in support, attempted to ambush the German squadron after receiving word of the intercepted message.