However, the message failed to reach Cartagena de Indias in time, so Ibarra and the Veracrucian treasure fleet left on August 7 unaware of Jol' trap.

They cannoned especially the galleon Nuestra Señora del Carmen, captained by Sancho Urdanivia, whom they wrongly believed to be the Spanish flagship due to its similar size and the fact that it had accidentally been separated from the main fleet.

The Carmen advanced and managed to forced them to back down, although it was damaged to the point Ibarra had to deploy divers to repair its water leaks in midst of the fights.

For his part, suspecting of Dutch reinforcements, and not wanting to risk losing a battle of attrition against an even bigger enemy, Ibarra headed for Veracruz, with the Nuestra Señora del Carmen being diverted to Havana for reparations.

Ibarra reached Veracruz on September 34, hosting celebrations for the victory, although he decided to wait for January 1639 to resume the travel in combination with the treasure fleet of Martín Orbea.