He then attacked isolated Austro-Hungarian naval units at the Battle of Antivari in an attempt to entire the Austro-Hungarians into a fleet action. Despite Lapeyrere's squadron destroying Austro-Hungarian cruiser , the Austro-Hungarian navy did not sortie and no general fleet action occurred.
He then made a bold move by attacking individual Austro-Hungarian naval units at the Battle of Antivari in an attempt to persuade the Austro-Hungarians to join forces for a coordinated naval attack. Although Lapeyrere's squadron sank an Austro-Hungarian cruiser, the Austro-Hungarian navy did not respond and no major fleet engagement occurred.