Juan de Benavides Bazan continued toward Cuba confident that the route was safe. His lack of caution is criticized given the value of the fleet and the absence of an expected reassuring message. On 29 August, the Dutch intercepted the small sloop carrying the warning intended for his fleet. Hein held position through dangerous weather while the Spanish convoy broke into scattered groups. During the night of 7 to 8 September, one Spanish ship nearly collided with a Dutch vessel and was captured. By morning, about twenty dispersed Spanish ships were close enough for the Dutch to take them individually.
Chapter · 32:19-35:19
An intercepted warning left the Spanish fleet exposed
A captured warning vessel and storm-driven collisions left Juan de Benavides Bazan's dispersed treasure ships among Hein's fleet before the main surrender began.