Marlborough and Impétueux were already locked in a damaging close action when Mucius emerged from the smoke and collided with both. The three entangled ships continued firing while officers considered whether a multiple boarding action was possible. Captain George Cranfield Berkeley was badly wounded and Lieutenant John Monckton took command before a frigate towed Marlborough clear. Mucius escaped to the re-forming French fleet, but Impétueux was too damaged to move and sailors from Russell boarded her as a prize.
Chapter · 2:34:38-2:36:10
Marlborough becomes trapped in a three-ship melee
Marlborough fought Impétueux at close range before Mucius collided with both ships, creating a damaged three-ship tangle and an improvised prize-taking effort.