On 19 August 1702, Benbow's squadron encountered the French along the coast of Colombia, off Santa Marta, a little to the east of the mouth of the Rio Magdalena. Commanding from his flagship, the "Breda", he ordered his squadron to engage, but "Defiance" and "Windsor" being astern and showing no great haste, they had to be ordered to make more sail. Benbow intended to wait for "Defiance" to come up; but "Falmouth" opened the engagement by attacking the frigate, and "Windsor" a ship abreast of her, at four o'clock. "Breda" joined in, but "Defiance" and "Windsor" broke off after a few broadsides and left the "Breda" under fire from the French, the battle continuing until nightfall. "Breda" and "Ruby" pursued the French all night, while the rest of the squadron straggled.