 While listing to port and sinking, "Tarigo" (now under the command of the only surviving officer, Ensign Ettore Bisagno) launched two torpedoes that hit HMS "Mohawk"; HMS "Jervis" subsequently scuttled "Mohawk", which sank to the sandy bottom at a depth of .The outcome of the battle marked the end of the relatively unopposed Axis transport to Libya, which they had enjoyed since June 1940.The Italian maritime command in Libya immediately organised a rescue operation which involved the destroyers "Malocello", "Da Noli", "Vivaldi", and , torpedo boats "Centauro", "Clio", "Partenope", "Perseus", and "Sirtori", seaplane carrier "Orlando", hospital ship "Arno", and merchant ships "Antonietta Lauro" and "Capacitas".