Okinoshima and the two destroyers were positioned to provide a protective barrier for Azumasan Maru and Kōei Maru which were busy unloading troops and materiel.
Okinoshima dan dua kapal perusak diposisikan sebagai alangan perlindungan bagi Azumasan Maru dan Kōei Maru yang sedang sibuk membongkar muatan dan pasukan.