Porter could not usefully crew or remove Hector while the blockade held him in port. Instead of surrendering the vessel to Chilean authorities or accepting its likely capture, he ordered it destroyed in the outer harbor. The fire occurred within Chilean territorial waters and directly challenged the neutral government's authority. The governor became deeply hostile to Porter. This choice removed much of the neutrality protection on which Essex still depended.
Notable Point · 1:54:29-1:56:08
Burning Hector destroys Porter's standing with Chile
Porter had the prize Hector towed out and burned inside Chilean waters, converting an awkward guest relationship into open hostility from the governor.