 Venetian cannons sank one of the ships, but did not succeed in repelling the invasion since the Venetian war fleet numbered only 4 galleys and 7 galliots.The Doge surrendered on 12 May 1797 and left the Doge's Palace two days later.On 16 May French troops entered Piazza San Marco and the surrender contract was officially signed, submitting Venice to French rule.