However, she continued to follow Washington towards the western side of Savo Island until 23:35, when Washington changed course left to pass to the southward behind the burning destroyers.
Walaupun demikian, South Dakota terus membuntuti Washington menuju sisi barat Kepulauan Savo hingga pukul 23.35 ketika Washington berbelok ke arah kiri berlayar ke arah selatan di balik kapal-kapal perusak yang sedang terbakar.