[1][2][3] The expected assistance from Saladin's enemies did not materialize due to the death of King Amalric of Jerusalem, and the news of the plot's failure.

[7] Under the command of his cousin, Tancred of Lecce,[8] William II sent out a fleet of 280 ships, 30,000 soldiers, and 1,500 knights.

The defenders were able to repel the attack when the Normans moved their siege artillery closer to the walls the following day, thanks to reinforcements from the nearby villages.

[12] After the defenders launched daring sorties on July 31 and August 1 that destroyed the Norman siege engines and killed many besiegers, the garrison withdrew inside the walls.Meanwhile, [13] The Normans received word that Saladin was advancing on the city with his army to relieve it.

These reports boosted the garrison's morale, and they mounted a nighttime sortie that drove the Normans to their ships and out to sea.