Kuma was being escorted by the destroyer Uranami about 10 nmi (12 mi; 19 km) north-west of Penang, Malaya.

She was able to plot the Japanese's route in and out of Penang and to take up a suitable position to intercept the cruiser.

Whilst 10 nmi (12 mi; 19 km) north west of Penang, at midday, Bennington fired a seven-torpedo salvo from 1,900 yd (1,700 m).

Kumas's lookouts soon spotted the torpedoes' wakes, and Captain Sugino shifted his rudder hard over.

Uranami then picked up the survivors, including Captain Sugino, while 138 crewmen were lost.