While en route on 31 October, the American task group received a radio message reporting that Japanese merchantman "Tokei Maru" had suffered an explosion on board. Detached to render assistance, "Waddell" sped to the scene and lowered her motor whaleboat containing the squadron doctor. The ship's rescue party arrived on board to find three men of "Tokei Maru"s complement already dead and another seriously burned. After providing medical assistance which saved the man's life and having left "Tokei Maru" a supply of medicine to suffice until the Japanese ship could make port, "Waddell" rejoined her consorts.