The decisive British naval victory at Cape Passaro destroyed Spanish sea power in the Mediterranean and isolated Spanish forces in Sicily, precipitating the War of the Quadruple Alliance.
Key Facts
- Date
- 11–12 August 1718
- Spanish ships of the line lost
- 7 ships
- Spanish frigates lost
- 6 ships
- British commander
- Admiral Sir George Byng
- Spanish commander
- Lt-Gen José Antonio de Gaztañeta
- War formally declared
- ~4 months after the battle
By the Numbers
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
Spain had occupied Sicily and was pursuing ambitions in southern Italy, threatening the interests of Emperor Charles VI. Britain was committed to supporting the Emperor, and tensions escalated even though Britain and Spain were technically at peace. When Spanish ships opened fire on the nearest British vessels, Admiral Byng used this as justification to engage the entire Spanish fleet.
On 11–12 August 1718, Admiral Sir George Byng led a Royal Navy fleet against the Spanish fleet commanded by Lieutenant-General José Antonio de Gaztañeta off Cape Passaro at the southern tip of Sicily. The British, superior in numbers, achieved a decisive victory in a single day, sinking or capturing seven Spanish ships of the line and six frigates, with several additional Spanish warships scuttled by their own crews along the Sicilian coast.
The destruction of the Spanish fleet left the Spanish army in Sicily strategically isolated with no naval support or resupply. The battle proved to be the most significant naval engagement of the War of the Quadruple Alliance, and approximately four months after the action, war between Spain and Britain was formally declared, confirming what the engagement had already made a reality.
Belligerents & Mobilization Analysis
Side A
1 belligerent
Admiral Sir George Byng.
Side B
1 belligerent
Lieutenant-General José Antonio de Gaztañeta.