The small action occurred off Topolobampo, Sinaloa, and involved three gunboats, two from the Mexican Navy and another which mutinied from the armada and joined the rebel Constitutionalists.

On 22 February 1914,[1] off Guaymas, Sonora, a mutiny began at about 8:00 pm when the Mexican Navy gunboat Tampico was refitting for a cruise.

Malpica, who had assumed command of the mutineers, informed Captain Manuel Azueta that he intended to sail Tampico to join the Constitutionalists.

The mutineers transferred Tampico's former captain to a merchant vessel, SS Herrerias, which took him to Mazatlán, which was still in federal hands at the time.

So the two gunboats waited in Topolobampo Bay until the next morning; on 4 March, they sighted Tampico as she entered the channel.

Eventually Tampico made for the protection of Topolobampo's port; she entered past the bar and the fighting ended.

The gunboat Guerrero again anchored outside the bar, to initiate a naval blockade while Morelos left for Guaymas for coal and provisions; she would return a few days later.