Cleopatra's breakout and Antony's escape

Once Antony committed to a general attack, Cleopatra's reserve squadron passed through the opening and escaped under sail. A favorable breeze quickly carried the Egyptian ships out of sight. A flank attack by that squadron might have changed the battle, but Antony treated its departure as flight and followed. Many crews cast towers and fighting gear overboard to escape, while ships that could no longer be crewed were burned and Antony eventually transferred to smaller vessels. The ships and personnel left behind were captured or sunk.