[1] The capture of the vessel resulted in an amendment of the British Articles of War, regarding the responsibility of commanding officers to do their utmost to engage with the enemy.

On the afternoon of 29 March, a large sail was spotted windward (upwind) of Anglesea, with the unknown vessel heading in the direction of the British warship.

The vessel was in fact the 50-gun French ship of the line Apollon, which had detected Anglesea and made ready for an engagement.

[1][2] When it was discovered that the approaching ship flew French colors, Captain Elton ordered Anglesea's mainsail raised in preparation for a flight.

Apollon laid down a withering fire onto Anglesea, with the first broadside killing both Captain Elton and the ship's master, leaving Second Lieutenant Baker Phillips in command.