Goliath and Zealous continue taking soundings rather than being distracted by a French decoy. Nelson briefly consults pilots seized from Alexandrian vessels, then lets other ships pass Vanguard so the fleet does not lose momentum. French gun flashes and the remaining light let Captain Thomas Foley see the opening at the head of the anchored line. Knowing Nelson's intention to attack from both sides, he immediately takes Goliath through the gap. Goliath's double-shotted guns, Royal Marines, and a company of Austrian grenadiers engage at pistol-shot range while French captains are still returning from their conference. Accounts differ on how the Austrian contingent came aboard, so that detail remains unresolved.
Chapter · 1:05:09-1:12:47
Goliath finds the gap behind the French van
Lead-line soundings support the approach, and French gun flashes help Foley identify the narrow passage inside the anchored line.