By 05:00, it appeared that the fires were almost under control, but Turner, who at this time intended to withdraw all Allied ships by 06:30, ordered the ship to be scuttled if she was not able to accompany the fleet.
5 lod det til at brandene var næsten under kontrol, men Turner, som på dette tidspunkt ville trække de allierede skibe tilbage kl. 6.30 beordrede at skibet skulle sænkes, hvis det ikke kunne ledsage flåden.