On 31 Jan 1942 the Corilla (Master J.C. Anker) arrived in Halifax and was informed that she had to sail with convoy HX-173, which departed in the early hours of 1 February. She missed the planned departure due to delays in the delivery of supplies.

On 2 February, the tanker had caught up with several independent ships behind convoy, when lookouts spotted U-751. The Corilla sent out SSS distress signals, started to zigzag and fired one shot from the 4in gun, which fell some 200 metres short as reported by the U-boat. At 07.46 hours, U-751 reached a favourable position and fired three torpedoes, one of which struck just forward of the bridge. The ship kept manoeuvering and when an escort vessel from convoy appeared on the scene, Bigalk decided to leave.
At 21.20 hours on 3 February, the Corilla reached Halifax and later returned to service after being repaired. None of the 63 crew members and one passenger on board were injured or killed.