The wind failed as Venerable entered the bay, leaving Pompey and Audacious to press in before the squadron was fully together. Linois moved his ships closer to shore and sent men to reinforce the Spanish batteries, while currents and unfamiliar water complicated the British attack. Pompey swung bow-on to Formidable and was raked, while the small HMS Calpe tried to suppress Spanish guns and engage the much larger Muiron. Spencer remained exposed to heated shot before she could join the action. Ordered inshore against Formidable, Hannibal grounded near Torre del Almirante and became isolated under crossfire; boat crews could not free her before the sea breeze vanished.
Chapter · 2:07:55-2:23:21
Light winds and Hannibal's grounding
A British assault in light winds became disjointed, culminating in HMS Hannibal grounding under combined French and Spanish fire.