Vizcaya could not make her intended speed, and poor coal further reduced the Spanish squadron's chance of escape. Saint Paul's capture of the collier Restormel on 25 May had denied the squadron high-quality anthracite. Brooklyn's sharp turn threatened a collision with Texas, whose captain reversed engines and almost stopped his ship. Oregon then overtook Texas on the inside and masked her fire, while engine trouble limited Indiana to nine knots during the action. Cristóbal Colón hit Iowa with her smaller battery, including a shot near the waterline that slowed the battleship. Fuel quality, machinery, and the ships' positions all affected who could keep up and keep firing.
Notable Point · 2:03:58-2:06:51
Coal and manoeuvres in the Santiago pursuit
Poor coal restricted the Spanish escape while Brooklyn's turn, Texas's stop, and machinery problems disrupted the American pursuit.