"Eberle" sortied from Norfolk 25 October 1942 for the invasion of North Africa, and gave bombardment and fire support for the landings at Mehedia, French Morocco on 8 November. Returning to Norfolk on 27 November, she sailed on 26 December for South Atlantic patrol, based on Recife, Brazil. On 10 March 1943 she intercepted the German blockade runner "Karin". When "Eberle" boarded, demolition charges set by the Germans exploded, killing half the 14-man boarding party outright. The remaining seven persisted in their efforts to save "Karin" and obtain information until fire and further explosions forced them to abandon ship. They and 72 prisoners were picked up from the water by "Eberle".