von Hauswolff was ordered to cut off the northward retreat of a Russian force under General Nikolay Kamensky which had been defeated by the Swedes five days earlier at Ratan.

[1][2] The Swedish naval squadron, which was also tasked with capturing any Russian vessels which they found sailing northwards, arrived south of Piteå, at the island of Pitholmen on 25 August.

Upon seeing the Swedes, a Russian soldier was ordered to ride quickly on his horse to spread news of their sudden arrival, but was killed by fire from one of the Swedish sloops.

Command fell to Georg Samuel von Gegerfelt, who decided to take the Swedish ships into the narrow strait towards the bridge, but was quickly beset on both sides by Russian infantrymen.

A desperate Swedish attempt to reach the bridge was initiated by a Lieutenant Everlöf in particular who advanced under the guard of some sloops, but he and the men accompanying him were shot down by the Russians who had the high ground, and a retreat was deemed necessary.