Pierre Dumanoir led four French ships north in the hope of reaching Rochefort. Off Cape Ortegal on 2 November, they encountered HMS Phoenix and chose to chase her. Phoenix drew the pursuing ships toward Richard Strachan's squadron. A frigate that had already captured Didon now helped locate and fix the force that escaped Trafalgar. Scouting and pursuit turned a temporary escape into the campaign's next fleet action.
Notable Point · 36:30-37:14
HMS Phoenix lures Dumanoir toward Strachan
The frigate converts Dumanoir's pursuit into a route toward the British squadron hunting the ships that escaped Trafalgar.