The contagion spread fast; everywhere sails unfurled and towers and other heavy fighting gear went by the board. Some fought on, and only long after nightfall, when many a ship was blazing from the firebrands thrown upon them, was the work done.
The rapid spread of infection was evident, with ships displaying their flags and heavy equipment being destroyed. Some continued to fight, but only after nightfall, when many ships were ablaze from firebrands, did the battle end.