The British also ordered the neutral American colours struck and replaced with the British flag, against the will of "Pass of Balmaha"s Captain Scott, who realised that this would mark the ship as a belligerent. Soon after, "U-36" intercepted "Pass of Balmaha". To avoid being impounded, Scott hid the British prize crew in the hold and replaced the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes. The commander of "U-36", Captain Ernst Graeff, was not entirely convinced by this ruse and ordered "Pass of Balmaha" to sail for Cuxhaven for inspection. A German ensign was left aboard. Scott and his crew, resentful of what they perceived as British meddling, kept the British marines locked in the hold.