The first shell, a 32-pounder, struck within the starboard gangway. The shot cut part of the chain armor and dented the wooden planking underneath. The second shot was again a 32-pounder that exploded and broke a link of the chain. Both hits struck the chain five feet above the waterline and therefore did not threaten the boilers or machinery. The gunnery of USS "Kearsarge" was reportedly more accurate than that of the Confederates. She fired slowly with well-aimed shots, while "Alabama" fired rapidly. CSS "Alabama" fired a total of over 370 rounds during the fighting; it is not known how many "Kearsarge" fired, but it is known that she fired many fewer than the Confederates did. Eventually, after just over an hour of exchanging artillery fire, "Alabama" had received shot-holes beneath the waterline from "Kearsarge"s Dahlgren guns and began to sink. Captain Semmes struck the Confederate colors, but still "Kearsarge" continued firing until a white flag was seen, raised by one of the Confederate sailors with his hand. The battle was over, so Captain Semmes sent his remaining dinghy to Captain Winslow, to ask for aid.