The Bali Strait Incident was an encounter between a squadron of six French Navy frigates and six British East India Company ( EIC ) East Indiamen in the Bali Strait on 28 January 1797 .

The EIC Commodore , James Farquharson , captain of , knew Know that if he fled Escaping the French would rapidly overwhelm Destroying his ships so he decided Deciding to try a bluff .