With the attack on the Azores becoming out of the question, Drake made a final attempt to retrieve the mission. Then, most of his men were out of action, with only 2,000 still fit to be mustered. Stormy weather had also damaged a number of the ships. While Norreys sailed for home with the sick and wounded, Drake took his pick of what was left and set out with 20 ships to hunt for the Spanish treasure fleet. While lying in wait for it his naval force was struck by another heavy storm which left him unable to continue and raiding and plundering Porto Santo in Madeira in compensation his flagship, the "Revenge" sprung a leak from storm damage and almost foundered as she led the remainder of the fleet home to Plymouth.