Dakar's naval and coastal defense

Dakar was not an undefended colonial port. Heavy guns removed from the Danton-class semi-dreadnought Vergniaud strengthened the shore batteries, although the exact disposition of its secondary weapons remains uncertain. Two of three light cruisers sent toward French Equatorial Africa reached Dakar and joined destroyers, auxiliary cruisers, merchant ships, and submarines. Richelieu could not maneuver independently, but tugs could position the hull so its forward 15-inch battery covered the approaches. These assets gave the Vichy authorities enough local firepower to contest an approach by sea.