During 1967 and most of 1968, "Askari" moved from location to location in the delta as the Mobile Riverine Force's zone of operations changed. On 1 November 1968 the , one of the ships that comprised the riverine force's mobile base, suffered severe damage and lost a number of crewmen as a result of the explosion of two mines attached to her hull by enemy swimmer-sappers. While continuing with her responsibilities to the rest of the riverine force, "Askan" put forth most of the effort required to salvage and to repair the tank landing ship.