On 11 January 1944, after departing from Penang with the destroyer Uranami on anti-submarine warfare exercises, Kuma was sighted by Royal Navy submarine HMS Tally-Ho (P317) based out of Trincomalee, Ceylon. Approximately 10 miles (16 km) northwest of Penang, HMS Tally-Ho fired a seven-torpedo salvo from 1,900 yards. Kuma 's lookouts spotted the torpedoes' wakes, and although the rudder was sent hard over, Kuma was hit starboard aft by two torpedoes, setting the ship on fire. Kuma sank by the stern in the vicinity of 05°26′N 99°52′E detonating her own depth-charges. Uranami took on survivors, including Captain Sugino, but 138 crewmen perished with the ship.