After making a troop transport run from Rabaul to Kolombangara on 7 May  Kagerō  was disabled by a naval mine while leaving Vila port. Barely able to maneuver, she was then attacked by Allied aircraft and sank southwest of Rendova  ().
After conducting a troop transport mission from Rabaul to Kolombangara on 7 May, Kagerō was disabled by a naval mine while departing Vila harbor. Due to limited maneuverability, it was subsequently attacked by Allied aircraft and sank southwest of Rendova.