She departed Norfolk on 13 January but was soon in trouble, as her steering developed a fault and her gyro compass failed. Repairs were made and she set course for Kingston, Jamaica. Later that day, "Archer" had a collision with the American owned, Peruvian flagged SS "Brazos" some east of Charleston, South Carolina (). "Archer" sustained damage to her bow, and eventually settled down at the bow by 5 degrees after the damage and flooding had been contained. Both ships were dead in the water. The 35 crewmembers of "Brazos" transferred to "Archer" in their own lifeboats and "Brazos" sank on 14 January. "Archer"s captain had radioed for assistance and at first light started to make for the coast, but as her propeller was half out of the water, progress was minimal. On 16 January, "Archer" rendezvoused with US Coastguard tug "Tallapoosa" which unsuccessfully attempted to tow "Archer". It was decided that "Archer" should continue under her own power until a more powerful tug could assist her. On 17 January, reached her and proceeded to tow her to Charleston, where she arrived on 21 January. She entered dry dock on 28 January for repairs, which took about six weeks.