Battle of Lagos (or Cape St Vincent)
War of the League of Augsburg · Off Lagos, Algarve (Portugal)
Summary
The French fleet intercepts a large Anglo-Dutch merchant convoy near the Portuguese coast. Tourville wins a decisive victory, seizing or destroying a massive portion of enemy maritime commerce.
Historical context
France sought to weaken its adversaries economically by striking Atlantic trade routes. The targeted convoy carried strategic colonial goods. Tourville left Brest on 26 May 1693 with 72 ships to intercept the 'Smyrna convoy,' escorted by 21 Anglo-Dutch warships under Rooke and Van der Goes.
Tactics
Surprise at sea, concentration of French ships of the line on the enemy escort, encirclement and rapid destruction before reinforcements arrived. On 27 June off Lagos, Tourville cut the strait route; two Dutch ships were captured, but merchants scattered along the Portuguese coast.
Consequences
Heavy financial loss for England and the Dutch Republic; boost to French morale after defeat at La Hougue in 1692. Nearly 90 merchant ships captured or burned, 4 warships and a frigate; the English called it the greatest damage suffered in a century.