 The other French ships were pursued by British ships of the line and the chase lasted much longer , into the morning of 11 April when HMS Hannibal caught the frigate Gentille . Hannibal was far larger than its opponent and the French captain surrendered immediately rather than fight a futile engagement . The third French frigate , Fraternité successfully escaped . After refitting in Portsmouth , Colpoys ' ships returned to their station off Brest , the blockade remaining in place for the remainder of the year . 
