Linois tried to move closer inshore, but two of his three ships of the line grounded during the maneuver. British boats then turned becalmed ships so their broadsides could bear and towed the damaged Pompey away. Using those boats for rescue removed Saumarez's option of landing sailors and marines, while Caesar and Audacious drifted toward the same shoals that had trapped Hannibal. Saumarez withdrew to Gibraltar rather than risk losing more ships to the water and coastal fire.
Chapter · 2:23:32-2:30:38
Ships' boats kept a becalmed battle moving
With the wind gone, boats turned ships, towed Pompey, and consumed the manpower that might otherwise have supported a landing.