Because the motion of the ships disrupted their aim, most of the shots from the forts missed; generally, they aimed too high, sending the missiles that were on target into the masts and upper works of the vessels. The ships proceeded according to Du Pont's orders through the first turn, but then the plan fell apart.
The movement of the ships interfered with their accuracy, causing most shots from the forts to miss; they generally aimed too high, sending those on target into the masts and upper parts of the vessels. The ships followed Du Pont's orders through the initial turn but then the plan failed.