The British force consisted of two 74-gun ships of the line hastily paired to oppose Agree_or_refuse_to_act the eastward advance Self_motion of the French squadron .

In a heavy engagement fought Hostile_encounter in calm weather in the close confines of Algeciras Bay , the British force had been becalmed and battered , suffering Bodily_harm heavy casualties and losing Earnings_and_losses the 74-gun ship HMS `` Hannibal '' .

at 15:15 , a third ship was sighted Know to the south , which proved Statement to be the 74-gun ship of the line hms `` powerful '' , disguised as an east indiaman .

Eventually , after a chase Self_motion lasting nearly two days , the French ship came Self_motion within range of the much larger British 74-gun third rate HMS `` Swiftsure '' and despite a brave defence Defending was soon forced Causation to surrender Surrendering after suffering Bodily_harm more than 40 casualties Bodily_harm .