Hillyar put to sea before Essex could sortie and trigger a 24-hour neutral-harbor detention rule. At the time, the effective reach of coastal guns provided a practical measure for the boundary of territorial waters. Phoebe and Cherub remained outside that line but close enough for boats to travel back into the harbor. Those boats brought fresh meat, vegetables, water, and intelligence, allowing the British crews to blockade without relying only on preserved food. One carefully chosen anchoring position linked international law, shore artillery, supply, and information.
Notable Point · 1:52:39-1:54:27
Cannon range defined territorial waters and blockade logistics
Phoebe and Cherub waited just beyond Chilean gun range while boats continued bringing fresh provisions, water, and intelligence from Valparaíso.