January, 42'. Uss Sculpin is patrolling just north of Tarakan Isl. The weather is miserable, pouring rain, wind, low visibility. I decide to give the watch crew a break, and dive to 100' and patrol submerged. Can't see much anyway. An hour later, a faint sound contact is picked up. I listen for several minutes to determine his general direction, adjust course to lead him, surface and begin the chase. About a half hour later, I submerge again to take a listen. I'm closing, but he's still far. Another course adjustment, and back to the chase. This went on for almost two hours. Finally through the binoculars, I could see a shadow of smoke on the water. It wasn't long after that the shadow of a merchant emerged from the fog. I slowed down so I could remain shrouded in the fog.
I determined that it was a Coastal freighter, so my plan was to engage with the deck gun. Although it was miserable out, the seas allowed for use of the gun. I slowly closed so as not to burst through the fog and announce my presence. I was making final preparations for the gun attack, when a last minute scan of the target caused my stomach to sink
. This ship is not Japanese!
A quick scan through the rec. manual showed her to be Dutch! You must be kidding! Oh well. I pulled along side, waved hello, and turned away to resume my patrol.