`` Thétis '' had not even cleared Emptying the French coast when she was discovered Know by a patrolling British frigate of the inshore squadron , a unit tasked Confronting_problem with watching Scrutiny the entrance to the French Biscay ports , principally Brest , and intercepting Preventing_or_letting any ships seeking to enter Arriving or leave Departing the harbours .

During the night , the British commander , Captain Pulteney Malcolm , sent Sending his ship 's boats close inshore to attack Attack the French ships with Congreve rockets , a newly issued weapon .

The damaged Damaging `` Elisa '' remained Temporary_stay at anchor until 6 December , when an attack Attack by a British bomb vessel forced Causation the frigate to move Self_motion further inshore , becoming Becoming grounded Connect once more .