Nakhimov’s columns trapped the Ottomans against their own forts

Nakhimov assigned targets, led with Imperatritsa Maria against Osman Pasha’s flagship, and entered the harbor in a compact formation. The maneuver put Ottoman ships between Russian guns and Sinop’s batteries, preventing the forts from using their nominally interlocking fire without risking friendly hits. Russian shells struck first and quickly induced confusion aboard the undermanned Ottoman ships. Frigates designed for maneuver rather than a stationary battle then struggled to fight fires while continuing to receive concentrated fire. Within roughly half an hour, the Ottoman flagship had been holed so badly that it ran aground after its anchor cable was cut, allowing Imperatritsa Maria to shift to a second target. Elsewhere, concentrated Russian fire drove additional vessels aground or caused them to burn and explode.