Lombok Strait
At about 13:00, Doorman ordered his ships to return west and signalled Hart that—without fighter protection—it would not be possible to advance to Makassar Strait, due to the threat from bombers. "Houston" and "Tromp" had already gone south through Alas Strait, and were south of the strait. "Marblehead" and the four U.S. destroyers went south through Lombok Strait. "De Ruyter" and the three Dutch destroyers also stayed with "Marblehead" until the Lombok Strait. Both U.S. cruisers headed for Tjilatjap, to get repairs and medical attention for their wounded.