Using direct-fire torpedoes to hit a target usually requires aiming, but the Avenger didn't have any aiming devices. Yet, with a distance of less than 800 meters and the target being the large vessel \emph{Nisshin Maru}, no rudimentary aiming device was needed. Pavlovich only had to line up the bow with the \emph{Nisshin Maru},
Almost no adjustment of direction was needed. Pavlovich immediately issued the command to continue the attack.
"Torpedo on the right, countdown to launch, 3, 2, 1, launch!"
"Torpedo on the right launched!"
After Pavlovich completed the countdown, the sailor responsible for firing pressed a red button, but after pressing it, there was no movement from the torpedo tube 53-39 located on the rightmost side of the bow deck.
"Captain, the torpedo on the right has failed to launch!"