HMS Superb attacked the rear guard in darkness

HMS Superb had missed the first battle and was consequently the squadron's fastest, best-prepared ship. Saumarez accepted the risk of detaching her to locate and attack the enemy rear, even after the loss of Hannibal had shown what could happen to an isolated vessel. Keats closed the two Spanish first rates and the former Spanish San Antonio, fired several broadsides before they effectively replied, and kept Superb's lights extinguished so the enemy could see her mainly when guns flashed. The gunfire also marked the enemy's position for Saumarez's following ships, allowing one fast vessel to serve as both attacker and guide in the darkness. During the fighting, Formidable used imitation British signal lights to slip past the engagement, a deception that helped leave her as the French rear ship pursued at dawn.