Supplies and surprise leave Carthage unready to fight

Carthaginian warships carried supplies that slowed them and reduced their readiness for a fleet action. The force also lacked many of the commanders, sailors, and marines whose experience normally supported Carthage's lighter ships. Proven officers from the victory at Drepana were absent, possibly because Carthage was also conducting operations in North Africa and Iberia while sustaining the war in Sicily. Roman scouts detected the movement instead of allowing the relief fleet to repeat an earlier blockade run. Although Lutatius Catulus had been wounded, he brought his ships to strength from the besieging army and forced battle before the Carthaginians could unload and embark their Sicilian troops.