Shovell's ships were still in range of the French, but found themselves sternwards to the French bows, so only a few guns on either side could be engaged. From his position uptide, Shovell attempted to break up the French formation by sending fireships onto them with the tide; his intent was to oblige Tourville to cut his anchor cables to escape them, leaving him to drift with the tide onto Russells guns. Four fireships were released, but the French were able to fend them off . One fireship became entangled with "Perle", but her crew were able to cut it loose; another, released by "Cambridge", 70, and aimed at "Soleil Royal", came so close as to persuade the French flagship to cut, but she was able to re-anchor before coming within range of Russells ships.