Vian also wished to avoid combat, so with the British giving ground and the Italians pursuing with caution, the British were easily able to avoid an engagement. Just after sunset, an air attack on the British ships caused them to return fire with their anti-aircraft guns, allowing the Italian naval force to spot them. Iachino took in the distant covering force and opened fire at about , well out of range of the British guns. Vian immediately laid smoke and moved to the attack while "Breconshire" moved away, escorted by the destroyers and .