 In 1084 , Guiscard returned to the Balkans and planned a new offensive against Corfu , where a combined Greek @-@ Venetian fleet , commanded by Selvo , awaited his arrival . When the Normans approached the island , the combined fleets dealt Guiscard an even greater defeat than he had received in the naval battle at Durazzo . Guiscard ordered another attack three days later , but the results were still more disastrous for the Normans . Selvo was completely convinced of his fleet 's victory and sent all damaged ships north to Venice for repairs , to free them for other uses , and to report of their victory . The Doge then retired with the remaining ships to the Albanian coast to await the departure of the Normans . Acting on the Doge 's belief that a third attack would be unlikely and that the presence of a slightly depleted Venetian fleet meant greater odds for victory , Guiscard summoned every floating vessel he could find and led the Normans into a surprise attack . His strategy , though perhaps risky , was ultimately well @-@ calculated as it caused mass confusion among the Venetians , who were overwhelmed on all flanks , while the Greeks fled what they assumed to be a losing battle . Selvo barely managed to retreat with the remainder of his fleet , but not before 3 @,@ 000 Venetians died and another 2 @,@ 500 were taken prisoner . The Venetians also lost 9 great galleys , the largest and most heavily armed ships in their war fleet . 
