HMS Statesman (P246) was an S-class submarine of the Royal Navy, and part of the Third Group built of that class.

Aircraft from the escort carriers attacked the Nicobar Islands on 11 May, forcing Haguro and Kamikaze to head back to Singapore.

They were spotted the next day northeast of Sabang by aircraft from the British escort carrier HMS Shah.

A few hours later they were attacked by aircraft from the British escort carrier HMS Emperor, causing light damage to Haguro.

After careful manoeuvering the destroyers began attacking the Japanese ships from all sides shortly after one o'clock the following day.