To support the offensive, the Danish Navy would carry out a diversionary attack on the town of Eckernförde and destroy the German coastal batteries there.

Suddenly, the wind increased in strength and drove frigate Gefion away from its place in the Danish battle line.

When Geiser tried to tow the frigate back, the steamer was subjected to murderous firing from the remaining battery.

A German non-commissioned officer boarded and demanded that the wounded crew members remain on the ship and that its gunpowder stock not be emptied.

Paludan protested with reference to the fire on board, but was eventually forced to agree to the Germans' demands to surrender.

Two ships had been lost and over 1,100 sailors had either been killed, wounded or captured, including the Danish naval officer Christian Krieger, who commanded the steamship Geiser and died after the gunpowder exploded underneath the deck.