At 13:32, during the zig-zag, it became apparent that "Queen Mary" would come too close to the cruiser and the liner's officer of the watch interrupted the turn to avoid "Curacoa". Upon hearing this command, Illingworth told his officer to: "Carry on with the zig-zag. These chaps are used to escorting; they will keep out of your way and won't interfere with you." At 14:04, "Queen Mary" started the starboard turn from a position slightly behind the cruiser and at a distance of two cables (about ). Boutwood perceived the danger, but the distance was too close for either of the hard turns ordered for each ship to make any difference at the speeds that they were travelling. "Queen Mary" struck "Curacoa" amidships at full speed, cutting the cruiser in half. The aft end sank almost immediately, but the rest of the ship stayed on the surface a few minutes longer.