Linois could not safely continue toward Cadiz after learning of the British squadron, so he anchored at Algeciras. The bay was observable from Gibraltar but difficult for unfamiliar ships to fight in. Formidable, Desaix, and Indomptable lay about 500 yards apart, with the frigate Muiron in shallower water. Eleven large Spanish gunboats, fortified Isla Verde, shore batteries, and more distant forts supported the anchorage. Rocks and shoals narrowed the safe approaches, making a numerical British advantage far less decisive.
Chapter · 1:53:00-2:05:01
Algeciras Bay turns geography into defence
A French squadron sheltering opposite Gibraltar gained protection from Spanish batteries, gunboats, shoals, and narrow waters.