Wanderer was disabled at the mouth of the Manimani River, after Spanish forces opened fire and shot two men.

[1] The ship eventually reached safety after Lieutenant John Heard took their position and transmitted orders to the engine room.

On July 23, 1898, Lieutenant John Heard anchored his force at the mouth of the Mani-Mani River and began unloading supplies intended for the Cuban insurgents operating in northwestern Cuba, unaware that the Spanish had discovered his presence and assembled a large force of cavalry in the environs.

Catching the Americans off guard, Spanish cavalry advanced out onto the beach and opened fire upon the landing parties.

Lieutenant Heard used the temporary respite to order an immediate retreat, evacuating his wounded into the USS Wanderer and preparing to lift anchor just as the Spaniards reappeared, unleashing a hail of fire at those on the deck.