Lookouts Scrutiny on `` Seahorse '' spotted `` Sensible '' at 16:00 on 26 June and Captain Edward Foote immediately gave Giving chase Motion , the French frigate fleeing Escaping southwards .

For 12 hours the pursuit Aiming continued until Foote was able to catch Connect and defeat Conquering his opponent , inflicting Causation heavy casualties Death on the weaker and overladen French frigate .

The action provided Supply the British with the first conclusive evidence of the French intention to invade Attack Egypt , but despite an extensive search Scouring for Nelson 's fleet Foote was unable to relay Communication the location of the French to his admiral before the Battle Hostile_encounter of the Nile on 1 August .