The famous disaster of Tangier, in 1437, was one of these attempts led by Prince Henry, the same man who began the Age of Discovery.

[4] Shortly after the conquest of Asilah by the Portuguese, Afonso V ordered Dom João, who was probably the son of the Duke of Bragança, to take Tangier.

[5][6] The citizens of Tangier believed support from Muhammad al-Shaikh, the governor of Asilah, would come to assist in repelling the invading Portuguese army.

However, involved in his ongoing conflict with the governor of Fez, al-Shaikh opted to sign a treaty with the Portuguese, allowing them to enter Tangier unopposed.

Dom João nominated the first captain of Tangier to be Rodrigo Afonso de Melo, who took office with a garrison after the Marquis had left with the remainder of his troops.