Isabel II and General Concha could manage only about ten knots when they tested the American blockade of San Juan. The faster auxiliary cruiser USS St. Paul forced them to break away, so the destroyer Terror made an unsuccessful torpedo attack to cover their withdrawal and suffered the battle's only two fatalities. Six days later Spanish ships exchanged ineffective long-range fire with St. Paul and USS New Orleans while trying to help the blockade runner Antonio López reach harbour. The steamer grounded, but Spanish forces recovered much of her cargo, turning tactical failure into a partial logistical success.
Chapter · 8:39-11:06
Isabel II tests the blockade of San Juan
Watch Isabel II's slow squadron challenge USS St. Paul, cover its retreat with a torpedo attack, and later support a blockade runner.