The Ottoman-Egyptian formation was flawed, but its layered fire was not wholly ineffective. Smaller vessels in the second and third lines shot through gaps and inflicted many of HMS Asia's casualties after the heavier opponents had been engaged. Codrington also believed that some hits came from HMS Genoa, whose arcs crossed the flagship in the smoke and confusion. The episode shows how point-blank anchorage combat compressed enemy fire, friendly-fire risk, and command uncertainty into the same space.
Notable Point · 2:56:08-2:58:10
The rear lines still hurt Asia - and exposed the danger of friendly fire
Smaller Ottoman vessels firing through the front line caused many of Asia's casualties, while Codrington also suspected that British fire from Genoa struck his flagship.