Force 70 arrived off the Andamans on 19 March with the intent of entering the natural harbour at Port Blair and attacking any shipping found there. "Volage" had developed engine defects which limited her to the use of only one propeller shaft and consequentially she remained offshore, firing air bursts over the shore batteries. "Rapid" was hit by 6 inch fire from shore batteries shortly after entered the harbour, disabled and unable to make headway. "Volage" was also hit and briefly disabled by shore fire while "Rapid" was being towed to safety by "Saumarez"; three of "Volage"s ratings were killed and another eight wounded. All three ships of Force 70 reached Akyab under their own power.