Brueys sends a vessel outward to pose as a British ship and draw the attackers onto the shoals. The deception lacks the illuminated white ensign and four mast lights used by Nelson's fleet. Its appearance as a frigate is another warning because the British have no frigates with them. Goliath and Zealous continue taking lead-line soundings instead of following it. British restraint may also have encouraged the French to believe their deception was working, although that motive remains an interpretation.
Notable Point · 1:03:40-1:05:27
The French decoy cannot imitate British recognition signals
A French vessel tries to lead the approaching fleet onto shoals, but lacks British identification lights and encounters ships taking their own soundings.