Admiral Cornelis Simonsz van Der Veer commanded a squadron of seven ships which were followed by two yachts.

On 15 September 15, the fleet received news of the death of the Port Governor, Antonio van Diemen, on 6 June, and also of three potential unarmed galleons in the Bay of Old Goa.

Van der Veer decided to attempt a surprise attack which occurred on 30 September.

The Portuguese galleons Bom Jesus 74 and São Sebastião 50 were being careened and had their guns removed and were captured without fighting.

"A Dutch Squadron under the Command of Cornelis Simonsz van der Veer Carrying Out a Surprise Attack on Three Portuguese Galleons in the Bay of Goa Velha, 30 September 1639".