"Emden", meanwhile, had been detached from the East Asia Squadron to pursue an independent commerce raiding campaign in the Indian Ocean. She captured or sank numerous Entente vessels, including the steamer "Ryazan", which was converted into the auxiliary cruiser "Cormoran". In September 1914, "Emden" raided Penang and caught the Russian protected cruiser "Zhemchug" and the French destroyer "Mousquet" and quickly destroyed both ships. Shortly thereafter, "Emden" was caught by the Australian cruiser off the Cocos Islands and forced to beach after a ferocious engagement.