In order to reduce the noise, cloth-padded oars propelled the boats at 10:30 p.m. on 24 July from around the "Zealous" into the harbour. The Spanish frigate "San José", anchored 500 metres away from the pier, fired an alarm shot when sailors on board heard the disembarking troops getting closer. Troubled waters were against the British, who amounted to 700 in the boats, supported by 180 in the cutter "Fox" and 80 in a Canary sloop taken earlier. In addition to San Cristóbal castle, General Gutiérrez split his force over four strategic points: Pila square, Santos stream, Carnicerías beach and Santo Domingo monastery.