 For 12 hours Sensible fled southwards , but Foote 's pursuit was relentless and Bourdé found the distance between his frigate and Seahorse gradually disappearing . At 04 : 00 on 27 July , with the island of Pantelleria 36 miles ( 58 km ) to the northwest , Foote was able to pull Seahorse alongside his opponent and open a heavy fire from close range . At the first shots , many of the galley slaves deserted their positions and fled below decks , leaving the French ship dangerously exposed . Within eight minutes Sensible was battered into submission , Bourdé 's desperate attempt to board Seahorse easily avoided by Foote . The French frigate received 36 cannon shot in the hull and significant damage to the masts . Casualty estimates vary , but between 18 and 25 men were killed and 35 to 55 were wounded from a total of approximately 300 . Seahorse by contrast suffered only light damage , losing two men dead and 16 , including first Lieutenant Wilmot , wounded . 
