The Dutch were inclined to meet the French at sea, but they were disappointed greatly by the Spanish conduct in the previous battle.

Many Spanish ships were of older designs equipped with low calibre cannons and incomplete untrained crews.

The Dutch crews were very well trained, though also incomplete due to irrecoverable losses in the previous battles and a dysentery epidemic.

Two Spanish galleys were destroyed by artillery fire with Admiral de Villaroel killed.

With all Dutch and Spanish admirals killed, a flag officer of late de Ruyter, Captain Callenburgh of 76-gun Eendracht, assumed general command.

The Dutch and Spanish were in a dire position, though the French lost all their fireships by this time and Vivonne ordered a return to Messina.