Wireless signals to "Sydney" ceased, as it was assumed that if the cruiser had survived, battle damage or operational reasons prevented her reply. Six nearby merchant vessels ("Pan Europe", "Saidja", , "Sunetta", "Centaur", and "Hermion") were instructed to pass through that location and keep a lookout for survivors or wreckage of either ship, while four RAN auxiliaries (, , , and ) sailed from Fremantle to search the area. Aircraft from No. 14 and No. 25 Squadrons were relocated to Carnarvon to commence aerial searches the next morning, and were supplemented by two PBY Catalina flying boats; one each from Townsville and Port Moresby. On 25 November, was sent from Sunda Strait to follow "Sydney"s assumed course if she had headed for Surabaya or Singapore after sustaining damage.