At Okpo, Japanese crews were looting ashore and did not detect the approaching Korean fleet until it opened fire through the smoke. Yi placed heavy ships in the center and used smaller fishing craft and light vessels to screen against boarding and add mobility. Korean artillery overwhelmed the transport crews, destroying twenty-six ships by bombardment, but Yi kept his sailors aboard rather than pursue survivors and leave the fleet vulnerable. The episode illustrates both the material mismatch between the fleets and Yi's ability to keep operational priorities ahead of emotion.
Chapter · 1:24:57-1:36:08
At Okpo, Yi caught Japan's transports unprepared
Yi's mixed force surrounded Japanese transports at Okpo, used cannon to destroy them, and resisted the temptation to expose his fleet in a pursuit ashore.