During the night of 8–9 November, "Emden" reached the islands, and sent a party ashore at around 06:00 to disable the wireless and cable transmission station on Direction Island. The station was able to transmit a distress call before it was shut down. "Melbourne" received the message, and ordered "Sydney" to investigate. The Australian ship arrived off Direction Island at 09:15, spotting and being spotted by "Emden"; both ships prepared for combat. "Emden" opened fire at 09:40, surprising those aboard "Sydney" as the range was greater than British intelligence thought "Emden" was capable of. The German ship scored several hits, but was unable to inflict disabling damage to the Australian cruiser before "Sydney" opened up with her more powerful main guns. At 11:20, von Müller ordered that the heavily damaged "Emden" beach on North Keeling Island. The Australian warship broke to pursue the collier , which scuttled herself, then returned to North Keeling Island at 16:00. At this point, "Emden"s battle ensign was still flying, and after no response to instructions to lower the ensign, Glossop ordered two salvoes shot into the beached cruiser. "Sydney" had orders to ascertain the status of the transmission station, but returned the next day to provide medical assistance to the Germans.