The capture was quick and successful, with the Dano-Norwegian governor, Peter Anker, surrendering with the arrival of the British.

During the French Revolutionary Wars in 1800 and early-1801 rising tensions rose between Denmark–Norway and the United Kingdom.

[1] Governor of Tranquebar, Peter Anker, realized that a defense on a hypothetical British attack would by hopeless, and he therefore had already begun preparing for a capitulation.

[2][3] According to Peter Anker, the British forces were too strong to stand a change against, especially considering the poor conditions the fortifications had.

[2][3] On the same day, the British occupied Fort Dansborg and hoisted the Union Jack there.