The gunboat was nearby bombarding enemy positions, and diverted to the "Saien" following the explosion. Together, a total of 191 officers and crew were saved between the launches, the "Akagi" and another gunboat. "Saien" Captain Tajima was lost, as were another 39 men. The wreck is located at . The loss of the "Saien" was thought to be insignificant due to her age and capabilities compared to the other ships of the Japanese fleet. She was one of several Japanese ships to be mined out of Port Arthur during the period including the pre-dreadnought battleships and , which demonstrated the usefulness of naval mines for harbour defence.