Morgan-Giles had been sent to help clear the ships from the harbour as quickly as possible, because they were loaded with explosive and ammunition, and (although unknown at the time) mustard gas. Whilst on board , helping to get move the ship out of the harbour to minimise losses, a bomb struck a nearby ammunition ship, and he was hurled the length of the deck, but was uninjured amongst the wreckage and fire. He was nevertheless able to climb onto an American Liberty ship, SS Lyman Abbott that was blocking the harbour exit.
Morgan-Giles was sent to quickly clear the ships from the harbor because they were loaded with explosives and ammunition, and (unknown at the time) mustard gas. While on board, he helped move a ship out of the harbor to minimize losses when an explosion struck a nearby munitions vessel, throwing Morgan-Giles across the deck. He escaped injury amidst the wreckage and fire.  He then managed to climb onto an American Liberty ship, SS Lyman Abbott, blocking the harbor exit.