[2] By the end of 1798 the situation had changed in the Mediterranean with the destruction of the French fleet at Aboukir and the capture of the Spanish island of Menorca in November 1798 by British forces.

[2] The Spanish set sail with the British in pursuit but a violent westerly gale came up that took away Leviathan's main top-sail.

[1] Leviathan had nearly caught up with Argo, who had fired bow chasers damaging the Santa Theresa's smaller sails, slowing her down.

[1][2] At this point the Spanish captain of Santa Theresa Don Pablo Perez realized that further resistance was futile and after a conference with his men struck her colours.

[1] Operations continued from Menorca, 16 February Argo and Leviathan attacked the town of Cambrils.