British reinforcements were hastily despatched Sending to the area but the French were blockading Besieging Île Bourbon in force and the arriving Arriving reinforcements were in constant danger of attack by more powerful French units .

One such attempt was made Action by the French frigate `` Topaze '' , despatched Sending from Brest to Cayenne with a large cargo of flour .

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 .