Severely damaged on 10 DEC 1941 while tied up in Cavite Navy Yard, Philippines, during a Japanese air attack with the loss of four men.
The destruction of the Navy Yard made repairs of the severe bomb damage impossible, and USS SEALION was ordered destroyed
To prevent her from falling into enemy hands, she was scuttled in-place at Cavite in Manila Bay.
All salvageable equipment was taken off, depth charges were placed inside, and the explosives were set off to prevent her from being made useful to the enemy.
One other USS SEALION crewman was later captured and died in POW camp.