The Allied fleet damaged the Tripolitan squadron as well as the harbor fortifications before withdrawing and resuming the blockade.

USS Boston under Captain McNeill had been sent to Tripoli to blockade the port and prevent any ships from entering or leaving.

On May 16, Boston with the Swedish frigate Fröja managed to chase down a Tripolitan corsair (a ship owned and staffed by Muslim Slave Traders), disabling it by forcing it to beach itself.

The Swedish frigate began bombarding the harbor fortifications while Boston left to meet the new vessel.

The action then concluded with the three frigates resuming their blockade stations having taken no damage while inflicting several losses on the enemy.