Howe's final relief leaves Gibraltar too strong to force

The final relief shows the siege ending as a logistics and sea-control problem rather than a simple assault story. A storm damages the allied fleet and drives San Miguel into British hands, while Howe's convoy still gets transports and regiments into Gibraltar despite currents and pursuit. The captured Spanish ship also brings hundreds of sailors, marines, and dismounted dragoons into British custody before the convoy arrives. By the time the garrison is back over 7,000 soldiers with food and specialists, the Rock is no longer a plausible quick prize.