During this Naval Battle, the Republican squadron was led by Admiral José Prudencio Padilla against the Royalist forces commanded by Ángel Laborde.

On the afternoon of 23 July the Royalists moved to the west coast of the lake between Captain Chico and Bella Vista (north of Maracaibo) and anchored in line of battle.

As the brig Mars was located on the windward side and the Independent to leeward, were providing the ride so that it is perfectly formed and follow the line of battle for the implementation of the plan that Padilla had been proposed.

With broken bowsprits the Independent brig, threw themselves over the San Carlos, and began the approach, a phase which decided the victory for Republicans.

Some Royalists, in a most desperate situation, cut their anchor cables and tried to set sail and escape, but failed and the larger vessels were captured.

For his part, Commander Laborde was able to pass by the fort and reach the bar, and after a stop in Puerto Cabello set sail for Cuba.

The two hours of fierce combat that decided the battle, paved the way for negotiations between the Republicans and the Spanish Captain General of Venezuela Francisco Tomás Morales.