After the capture of Damietta by the Crusaders in 1219, the Ayyubid sultan, Al-Kamil, soon recovered from this setback.

The Crusaders controlled the eastern branch of the Nile, while the western branch remained unguarded, which allowed the navy to outflank the Crusaders from behind.

The supply line between Limassol and Damietta was poorly guarded.

Sailing among the Christian ships, they managed to achieve a surprise attack.

When news of the raid reached, the Crusader blamed Pelagio Galvani who was dismayed upon learning this.