Soon after, the British Mediterranean Fleet, with 14 battleships at its core and 4 battleships guarding the rear, divided the steam battleships into two groups to cover the flanks, forming the tightest defensive formation and heading northeast.
More than ten minutes later, Pikex saw planks floating all over the sea.
Those were the wreckage of the "Shield," the first ship to lose power.
An escort ship sailed over, launched boats, and began rescuing the sailors in the water.
Not knowing the position of the French steam warship, Pikex was forced to leave behind 3 battleships and 3 escort ships to guard against a French attack on the rescue parties. The main fleet pressed on ahead.
There was more and more wreckage on the sea. Officers kept coming into the command room to report to Pikex: "Commander, the rescued sailors said that the 'Golden Headfish' and the 'Grey Catfish' have been sunk."
"Report, the 'Gravel' has been confirmed sunk..."
