Nelson was dead and the Franco-Spanish survivors were dispersing when the weather became the next threat. Spanish attempts to recover prizes unfolded as a severe storm struck the fleets. The storm is described as damaging the British force about as badly as the fighting itself. British survivors and the French prizes that could still be preserved later reached Gibraltar. Weather and post-battle seamanship determined how much of the tactical victory could be retained.
Notable Point · 35:47-36:24
The post-Trafalgar storm threatens ships and prizes
The fleets leave battle only to face weather severe enough to endanger British ships, attempted prize recoveries, and the surviving French captures.