| De Oquendo managed to escape in the fog with about ten ships, most of them Dunkirkers, and reach Dunkirk. |
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| Legend also says that Tromp formally asked de Oquendo why he refused battle though he had superior firepower. |
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| As a result, the command passed to Antonio de Oquendo, commander of the Mediterranean fleet. |
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| Some of the ships near Oquendo turned with him, others were confused and maintained bearing. |
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| Had Oquendo given the order for a line, the immense Spanish fleet could have probably encircled and dispatched the Dutch squadron in a few hours. |
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| Trying to correct his error, Oquendo attempted to board the second ship in the Dutch column. |
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| Oquendo, the other six Dunkirk ships and the San Juan, unable to turn upwind, fired as they could. |
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| Believing Tromp's squad was attempting to slip past his right wing, Oquendo impetuously ordered his flagship to turn hard to starboard, hoping to board Tromp's flagship. |
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| De Oquendo replied that his fleet had to be repaired first, but that he could not obtain masts and other materials now that the Dutch blockaded him. |
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