The account follows Warspite's opening shots as the faster British van overtook the French rear before Hawke himself entered the bay. Formidable surrendered, while Thésée and probably Superbe capsized after water entered through open lower gunports during violent maneuvers. Hawke tried to rake the French flagship Soleil Royal, but Intrépide placed herself between the two flagships and absorbed the attack. Soleil Royal survived the immediate blow but became separated from the fleet, leaving Conflans unable to control a battle already fragmenting among shoals, wrecks, and fading daylight.
Chapter · 1:08:51-1:15:45
Fighting among Quiberon Bay's shoals
British ships overtook the French rear in dangerous waters, turning a pursuit into a destructive general action.