On 1 May, "Spartan" and "Success" entered the Gulf of Naples where they discovered a Neapolitan squadron consisting of the frigate "Cerere", the corvette "Fama" and the armed brigs "Achille" and "Sparviero". Brenton immediately set a course to intercept the squadron but to his dismay they escaped to the safety of the Port of Naples. The following day, believing that the Neapolitan ships would decline to leave the port unless the odds were heavily in their favour, he ordered "Success" to sail out of sight beyond the island of Capri. Early on 3 May, Brenton was pleased to observe the enemy squadron bearing down on his position in a line of battle. However, they had been joined by seven or eight gunboats armed with 18-pounder cannon, and "Cerere" and "Fama" had reinforced their crew with 400 Swiss infantry.