On 8 September 1943, when Italy declared an armistice, "Eritrea" was navigating between Singapore and Sabang to give a support to the Italian oceanic cargo submarine . The submarine had just arrived from occupied France after a long and difficult voyage. As soon as the Reuters message about the surrender of Italy was picked up by the crew of "Eritrea", the vessel changed course at once and headed at full speed to Colombo in Ceylon to surrender. "Eritrea" passed by Sumatra and escaped despite the presence of the Japanese aerial and naval units. Off the coast of Ceylon, it was intercepted by HMS Overdale Wyke of the Ceylon Naval Volunteer Force. "Eritrea" identified its self and its intent to surrender. It was boarded by a party from HMS Overdale Wyke and escorted to the Port of Colombo. It was later used by the Royal Navy from Colombo and Addu Atol.