With the resumption of war with France in 1803, Britain needed a large number of unrated vessels to protect convoys from privateers, and themselves to impede French coastal commerce.

The Navy in August 1803 purchased a mercantile vessel, possibly named Ann, and fitted her for naval service between September and November at Woolwich.

[2] On 23 October HMS Basilisk was in company with Immortalite and Orestes when they found three praams, seven brigs and 15 luggers off Cap Gris Nez.

The French convoy was sailing westward and keeping close inshore under cover of the batteries and an escort of horse artillery that followed them as they made their way to the Banc de Laine.

Immortalite closed with the praams under the high land of Cap Blanc Nez, with Orestes and Basilisk joining in the attack.