This gave Giving the French forces on the island a significant regional advantage , outnumbering the British frigate on the recently captured Conquering Île Bourbon , commanded by Commodore Josias Rowley , by six to one .

HMS `` Ceylon '' had been despatched Sending by the British authorities at Madras after the Battle Hostile_encounter of Grand Port to reinforce Cause_change_of_strength the remains of the squadron under Commodore Josias Rowley on Île Bourbon .