On 12 November 1940, during the raid on the Italian port of Taranto, the British Royal Navy detached a cruiser division with accompanying destroyers for a quick swing through the lower Adriatic Sea. This force found a small convoy of four Italian merchant ships escorted by "Ramb III" and the torpedo boat "Fabrizi". The ships were bound for Brindisi from Vlorë. "Ramb III" fired 19 salvos in its own defense and succeeded in breaking away without suffering any damage. The "Fabrizi" stayed with the merchant ships and fought a close action with the British force. As a result, the "Fabrizi" was hit immediately and suffered serious damage. The "Fabrizi" continued to fight back until being disabled by the cruisers' fire. After the "Fabrizi" was neutralized, the British force sank all four of the Italian merchant vessels. This action took place near the Strait of Otranto.