"O'Brien" made it to Suva in Fiji on 13 October, and then steamed out once more on 16 October. The rate of leakage of seawater into "O'Brien" continued to increase, and on 18 October it was necessary for "O’Brien" to head for the nearest anchorage. Large amounts of topside weights were jettisoned, and preparations were made for abandoning the ship, but her captain still thought that she could be taken intact to Pago Pago. However, at about 0600 on 19 October, her bottom suddenly split open considerably, and her forward and after hull portions began to work independently. At 0630, all hands except for a small salvage crew abandoned, but half an hour later "O'Brien" was abandoned entirely. Just before 0800 she descended beneath the waves, and after steaming nearly since she had been torpedoed. All members of her crew were saved.