The United States tried to sink the collier USS Merrimac in Santiago's entrance, but shore fire stranded her in the wrong place and the crew was captured. Cervera worried that civil authorities might mistreat the prisoners, so he brought them under his own protection. He notified the U.S. Navy that the men were alive, well treated, and granted parole. That conduct helped explain the deep professional respect American officers later showed him despite having destroyed his squadron.
Notable Point · 2:08:30-2:09:14
Cervera protects the Merrimac demolition crew
Before the breakout, Cervera personally secured and reassured the American sailors captured after the failed attempt to block Santiago's harbor.