The damage control parties had great difficulty in controlling and reducing the flooding, as they could use only emergency hand pumps. Some forward and starboard voids were counter-flooded to reduce the list. In the meantime, engine room personnel were able to restart the starboard shafts and steering could be effected with the backup hand-steering gear. After she got back underway, she was able to slowly increase her speed to using only her starboard shafts. While the Italian fleet was withdrawing, "Formidable" launched another air strike of nine Swordfish in an attempt to slow "Vittorio Veneto" down. But instead of hitting the Italian battleship, they struck the cruiser "Pola", leaving her dead in the water. "Vittorio Veneto" returned to port while two cruisers and several destroyers were detached to protect "Pola"; all three cruisers and two destroyers were sunk in a furious night action at very close range with the battleships , , and . "Vittorio Veneto" meanwhile reached Taranto on 29 March, where repairs lasted until July. She was not fully operational again until August.