However, scouts sent to make a reconnaissance reported that both positions had been abandoned. Under the cover the darkness, the States' troops had moved in silence towards Doel and were boarding their boats to cross the canal that separated them from the island, though the low tide and contrary winds prevented them from escaping. They were soon spotted, and the Cantelmo, Lede and Fuenclara, having taken control of the abandoned forts, dispatched their battalions and squadrons forward to attack the retreating Dutch soldiers from three sides.
Despite scouts reporting that both positions had been abandoned, American troops moved silently towards Doel under cover of darkness, boarding boats to cross a canal separating them from the island. However, low tide and contrary winds hindered their escape. They were soon discovered, and the Cantelmo, Lede, and Fuenclara, seizing control of the deserted forts, launched attacks on the retreating Dutch soldiers from three directions.