 The destroyer was ordered to seize the submarine, but an airstrike by three Fairey Albacore torpedo-bombers from 820 Naval Air Squadron escorted by two Grumman Martlet fighters of 893 Naval Air Squadron was launched from the British aircraft carrier against the damaged submarine.Unaware of any surrender signals, the Martlets strafed "U-331" which was then sunk by a torpedo dropped from one of the Albacores.Of her crew 32 were killed and 17 survived, including her commander.