Cap-Français was tactically inconclusive because the escorted convoy reached its destination, but that result conceals the cost imposed on the French warships. Three British ships suffered 23 killed and 89 wounded while the larger French force lost roughly 500 to 600 killed and wounded. Damage carried forward because a subsequent storm struck ships already weakened by the battle. Dreadnought also fought two ships of the line and two frigates at once and was reportedly winning, though she could not board several opponents simultaneously.
Notable Point · 37:20-39:21
Cap-Français shows how battle damage accumulated
Although the convoy escaped, the British inflicted disproportionate losses that weakened the French force before a later storm.