The vote was to remain in safe waters (a decision later overruled by Admiral Villeneuve) During the council, Spanish general Antonio de Escaño complained that the atmospheric pressure was descending (a sign of approaching storms).

Admiral Nelson's HMS Victory, leading the weather column of the British fleet, broke the French line just astern of Bucentaure and just ahead of Redoutable.

Victory raked her less-protected stern and the vessel lost 197 men and 85 were wounded (including Captain Magendie); the surgeon on board was Dr. Textoris, the squadron's Chief Medical Officer.

On the morning of 22 October, the Conqueror re-established the tow but, close by a lee shore with the weather deteriorating, she soon decided to leave her prize.

The Spanish pilot aboard missed the harbour entrance in the stormy dark and at 8:15 p.m. the Bucentaure hit rocks near the Santa Catalina fort.