Since the 16th century, Barbary corsairs were a problem for the Christian countries of the Mediterranean and later the Atlantic, attacking their ships and coastal villages in the raids they made in search of slaves and merchandise.

[2] After the Treaty of Aachen of 1748, Spain entered peace and the Zenón de Somodevilla, 1st Marquis of Ensenada focused from that moment on the Barbary threat, in order to keep the Spanish Navy occupied.

[3] Two naval divisions were sent to constantly patrol the Barbary coast, managing to restrain the corsairs and keep the Spanish sailors active.

[5] At eight o'clock in the morning of 9 June, near Cape Palos, the Spaniards spotted three suspicious ships and began the persecution to recognize them.

[5] These were the 60-gun ship of the line Castillo Nuevo (flagship) and the 40-gun frigate Caravela,[7] commanded respectively by Arráez[B] Mahamud Rais and the turncoat Achí Mustafá.

The Spaniards hoisted British flags on their ships to get close enough, although the trick was not useful due to the Algerian fighting attitude.

[9] The Soberano and Vencedor were kept at a distance from the Castillo Nuevo, taking advantage of the greater range and firepower of their guns to attack it.

[7] At dawn, the Spaniards sent boats to evacuate the Algerian survivors from the ship, which was sinking inexorably due to the damage it received in battle.

[11] He also considers that despite the Spanish superiority, the victory achieved by García del Postigo is remarkable due to the few casualties and the good effect of the ranged attack, which justifies spending on ammunition.

[13] Later, Charles III of Spain would seek to solve the problem with the Regency of Algiers, both through military and diplomatic channels.