In the battle, the Peruvian gunboat Pilcomayo was captured by the Chilean ironclad Blanco Encalada after a brief confrontation.

With the capture of the Huáscar, Chile obtained a wide advantage in the sea, which would seek to prevent the allies from concentrating their armies in southern Peru.

In this context, the Chilean Navy was careful to maintain free control of the sea to facilitate its own maritime transport and prevent that of the allies, in such a way as to isolate the adversary forces in the region.

Her propulsion system was mixed, steam with double propeller and sail, being able to reach a maximum speed of 9 kn on the day of the combat, she was commanded by Admiral Galvarino Riveros.

[2] When the Commander of the Pilcomayo, Carlos Ferreyros realized that the distance was rapidly closing, he gathered his officers in council, agreeing to sink the ship before surrendering, beating a retreat in order to have enough time to execute the plan.

At the same time, Commander Ferreyros had the bottom valves opened to flood the engine and magazine and ordered all kinds of flammable material to be spilled to set the ship on fire.

When Chilean Admiral Riveros saw signals with white flags being made from the boats, he ordered a ceasefire and the machine to stop so that Lieutenant Roberto Goñi could board the Peruvian ship.

[3][4] Subsequently, the Chileans continued to take it in tow to the port of Pisagua, arriving on November 20, where the Peruvian prisoners were embarked on the Vapor Loa and then heading to the port of Valparaíso with the Pilcomayo, landing on December 4, to the joy of the population that invaded the streets to pay homage to the victorious sailors.