 They found only empty ocean, for the American carriers had immediately departed the area to return to Hawaii.The carriers quickly abandoned the chase and dropped anchor at Hashirajima anchorage on 22 April.Having been engaged in constant operations for four and a half months, "Sōryū," along with the other three carriers of the First and Second Carrier Divisions, was hurriedly refitted and replenished in preparation for the Combined Fleet's next major operation, scheduled to begin one month hence.