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The French Admiral Compte de Grasse with 24 ships-of-the-line and a large number of transports had landed 8,000 troops and captured the island. The troops had been landed at the Basseterre anchorage which de Grasse left to engage the British squadron under Rear Admiral Hood.

The British entered the anchorage and although their rear was engaged by the main French fleet and with shore batteries also engaging, they anchored and engaged the French. They beat off two attacks by the French fleet which then withdrew.

However as the British troops ashore had surrendered the British chose their moment and slipped away unnoticed to safety. 

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