[2][3][4] Skipper Asbjørn Martinsen and his crew were on their way from Moss with paper from Borregaard in Fredrikstad as well as wood wool and other break bulk cargo.

[4] Due to the darkening of the sea lane and the air defense siren in Moss, the cutter was delayed.

About 4.30am the darkened cruisers Emden and Lützow came in the opposite course, in retreat outwards the Oslofjord.

The German warships opened fire at Sørland at about 4.30am and the cutter changed course outwards the fjord, ahead of the cruisers.

The German ships continued their attack with machine gun and cannon fire.