A fresh breeze at about 17:45 gave Porter an opportunity to cut his cable and try to board Phoebe. Hillyar immediately made sail and maintained separation. Phoebe had repaired her rig, while Essex remained slower and difficult to control because her rigging was shredded. Hillyar deliberately concentrated fire on the American frigate's masts, rigging, and upper works throughout the battle. Destroying her mobility served his objective of eliminating the threat whether Essex eventually surrendered or sank.
Notable Point · 1:58:50-2:00:45
Porter's boarding attempt failed against Phoebe's speed and rigging fire
When Porter cut his cable and tried to close, Phoebe sailed clear and continued dismantling the rig that Essex needed to pursue or escape.