Leading the line, "Cerere" was the first ship to fire as she closed within pistol shot of "Spartan's" port bow. "Spartan" responded with a destructive triple-shotted broadside which caused carnage among the troops crowded on the enemy deck and exchanged fire with "Fama" and "Sparviero" as they passed in succession. "Achille" and the gunboats altered course to avoid the British frigate but Brenton swung "Spartan" round to give them her port broadside while firing her starboard guns into the larger Neapolitan ships. Instead of turning to support the gunboats, "Cerere" stood inshore for protection of the batteries at Baiae and Brenton set off in pursuit. However, moments later, light winds becalmed "Spartan" and left her surrounded by the enemy squadron and exposed to a concentrated cannonade. Brenton climbed on the capstan to gain a better view of the enemy position and was struck on the left side of his hip by grapeshot which shattered his ilium. Gravely injured, he was carried below and command of the frigate passed to Lieutenant George Wickens Willes.