In April 1942 Somerville attempted to intercept the Japanese carrier strike force as they raided the Indian Ocean. Incomplete intelligence led him to abandon his ambush just hours before the Japanese force arrived. Over the next few days "Indomitable" was part of a force that attempted to intercept the Japanese fleet at night, where the slow but radar-equipped, British torpedo planes would have the best chance of a successful strike. Despite several days of searching no decisive action was achieved and Somerville eventually withdrew his fast carriers to Bombay. "Hermes", the Australian destroyer , the corvette and two heavy cruisers, and , were sunk in action during this Japanese raid, as were a score of merchant ships.