The French squadrons were adequately provided with fine warships, but since Willaumez' expedition of 1809, they were confined in the purely passive role of fleet in being, and scarcely left harbour.

[4] During the night of the tenth of March, Pompee had lost Diana and found herself chased by two sails; she attempted to flee, but was almost overtaken and had to dump 80 tonnes of water under fire to outrun her pursuers.

[4] The next morning, Diana, Pompee, Poictiers and Tremendous gathered and again sighted the French squadron; they gave chase until 14:00, when they lost contact in the fog.

[5] On 15 March, the French squadron met the light frigate HMS Nyaden, under Captain Farmery Predam Epworth, which managed to escape in spite of damage to her rigging.

Allemand, whose expedition of 1805 had already been nicknamed "invisible squadron" for his effectiveness at eluding British pursuit, came out strengthened in his reputation as a capable and lucky officer.