On 7–9 April "Arlanza" moved to the Kola Inlet. On 3 June 1916 the Thames tug "Racia" reached Kola Inlet to tow the cruiser back to Belfast. On 26 June the tug started to tow the cruiser home, with the cruiser using her own engines to assist as required. One source claims that the task proved too much for the tug, but "Arlanza" managed to return to Ireland under her own power. However, "Arlanza"s log does not record "Racia" casting off. The two ships were still together on 30 June, but it is not clear whether the tug was still towing the cruiser by then. "Arlanza" reached Belfast on 8 July 1916 for repairs.