Héros escorted the force before returning to Trincomalee and on 20 June she and the squadron fought the battle of Cuddalore. This was the final engagement between Hughes' and Suffren's squadrons – Suffren decided to give battle despite being outnumbered 18 to 15 in an attempt to lift the encirclement of Bussy's forces at Cuddalore.
Héros led the force back to Trincomalee after which she and her squadron fought the battle of Cuddalore on June 20. This engagement was the final showdown between Hughes' and Suffren's squadrons – Suffren chose to fight despite being outnumbered, aiming to free Bussy's forces at Cuddalore.