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A British fleet of 22 ships-of-the-line plus 9 frigates, encountered a Spanish fleet of 11 ships-of-the-line plus 2 frigates. The British gave chase before a strong westerly wind and about 1600hrs the Spanish rear was engaged. An hour later the Spanish San Domingo (70) blew up with only 1 from her crew of 600 surviving.

The battle continued throughout the night and by daybreak 6 Spanish ships-of-the-line had been taken. The as the weather worsened 2 other Spanish ships were abandoned as they were in danger of running aground.

Only good seamanship allowed the British ships to escape from a dangerous lee shore.

The Spanish lost 5,000 casualties, 5 British ships were severely damaged and lost a total of 300 casualties.

Copyright © Ian M King, except where otherwise indicated.