She was anchored in Nipe Bay when, late on the morning of 21 July 1898, the United States Navy armed yacht USS Wasp and armed tug USS Leyden moved in toward Port Nipe in order to reconnoitre the bay.

Wasp immediately sighted Jorge Juan at anchor some four miles up the bay.

Wasp fired several shots at the signal station located at the bay's entrance, then sped forward to engage Jorge Juan.

As the range decreased, American gunfire became more accurate, and all four ships began scoring telling hits on Jorge Juan.

The four American warships ceased fire and watched Jorge Juan sink at 1342.