Cervera used the language of dying to the last man before the sortie, when he was still near the governor who had ordered it. Once the battle had destroyed any prospect of success, damaged ships were beached and their crews could surrender. His conduct preserved survivors despite the fatal language of the prebattle address.
Notable Point · 2:17:39-2:18:06
Cervera's fatal rhetoric and the decision to save crews
Cervera's language of fighting to the last man gave way to beaching damaged ships and allowing their crews to surrender.