 The West Island 's batteries , under Lieutenant Price , consisted of 17 cannon : four 4 , two 6 , and six 24 @-@ pounder long guns , and three 24 , and two 32 @-@ pounder carronades . Although eight of the guns were relatively light , the batteries inflicted devastating damage on the light invasion craft . Despite severe casualties the French barges continued their approach until they were within musket range , 50 yards ( 46 m ) . The garrison of Royal Marines opened fire and the artillery crews switched to canister shot . Six or seven boats sank with their entire crews and troops , and others were heavily damaged . Losses were so high that the French called off the attack ; even so , the return journey carried the barges past East Island , which was under the command of Lieutenant Richard Bourne of Sandfly and mounted a battery of two 68 pounder carronades , massive guns that inflicted additional severe losses . Although Hotham 's squadron made desperate efforts to reach the battle , the wind was too light and they were only able to chase the remaining ships back into Saint @-@ Vaast @-@ la @-@ Hougue . 
