The British Mediterranean Fleet then formed its tightest defensive formation, with 14 Battleships at its core, 4 Battleships guarding the rear, and Steam Warships divided into two groups to cover the flanks, sailing northeast.
More than ten minutes later, Pike spotted planks floating all across the sea.
They were the wreckage of the Shield, the first vessel to lose power.
Frigates moved in, lowering Sloops to rescue the sailors in the water.
Not knowing where the French Steam Warships were, Pike had no choice but to leave behind 3 Battleships and 3 Frigates to prevent the French from attacking the rescue vessels. The main fleet continued onward.
More and more wreckage littered the sea. Officers continually entered the command room to report to Pike. "Commander, the rescued sailors said that the Golden Bream and the Gray Loach have been sunk."
"Report! The Gravel has been confirmed sunk..."
"Commander, the Serpentine has been sunk..."
Fortunately, the Cannons of this era had limited destructive power against ships. After sailing 6 nautical miles, Pike finally encountered the first Steam Warship to escape alive—the Two-handed Sword.
The Third-rate Ship Thor immediately moved forward, preparing to tow it out of the combat zone, when black smoke suddenly billowed over the western sea. Three French Steam Frigates charged toward them at tremendous speed.
The British fast fleet hurriedly split off two ships to relieve the Thor's pressure—the French vessels might not have been able to destroy a battleship, but they could still inflict considerable damage, something repeatedly proven several years ago.
The French Steam Warships immediately scattered. One of them swept past the Thor's starboard side in blatant provocation, casually firing several shots.
The other two charged straight at the Two-handed Sword and unleashed two volleys from a distance of 400 Meters. When the British Steam