With the weather worsening, Lütjens attempted to detach "Prinz Eugen" at 16:40. The squall was not heavy enough to cover her withdrawal from Wake-Walker's cruisers, which continued to maintain radar contact. "Prinz Eugen" was therefore recalled temporarily. The cruiser was successfully detached at 18:14. "Bismarck" turned around to face Wake-Walker's formation, forcing "Suffolk" to turn away at high speed. "Prince of Wales" fired twelve salvos at "Bismarck", which responded with nine salvos, none of which hit. The action diverted British attention and permitted "Prinz Eugen" to slip away.