On 12 November, after turning to return to the main fleet, they intercepted a small convoy of four Italian merchant ships escorted by naval auxiliary and the obsolete torpedo-boat . "Ramb III" fired 19 salvos in its own defense and succeeded in breaking away without suffering any damage. "Nicola Fabrizi" stayed with the merchant ships and attacked the British forces. As a result, "Nicola Fabrizi" was hit immediately and suffered serious damage. The Italian torpedo boat continued to fight until it was unable to fight any more and retired badly damaged. After "Nicola Fabrizi" was neutralized, the British force divided up the targets and sank all four of the Italian merchant ships. This action took place near the Strait of Otranto (see Battle of the Strait of Otranto (1940)).