The attack on the "Mo River" carrier began shortly after 9:30 AM.
At that time, Liu Xiangzhen had just received a report from the Attack Aircraft Group, indicating that they had only found one carrier, the "Sara" from the Sunset Ocean Fleet, in the northeast direction.
Moreover, Wei Chengwen determined that the "Sara" was carrying only F4F fighters, with no SBD or TBD aircraft spotted.
They used a voice radio, which, besides some electrical static, left no room for misunderstanding.
In fact, when Liu Xiangzhen discovered the second wave of enemy planes, consisting of as many as five squadrons, he already knew he had made a big mistake.
In the southeast direction, the 41.2 Subsquad's seaplanes had discovered two carriers.
Previously, two seaplanes from the 42.2 Subsquad in the northeast direction had, on two separate occasions, actually spotted one Fleet carrier.
It wasn't unusual for the Newland Navy to have the "Sara" operate alone.
