 In the Indian Ocean theatre the loss of Prudente was compounded a few weeks later by the capture of Forte at the Action of 28 February 1799 , which left Sercey with a shortage of available warships . At the Action of 11 December 1799 his last frigate , Preneuse , was intercepted and destroyed off Île de France . A commander without a command , the French admiral returned to France and subsequently retired . 
