Fielding demanded physical inspection of the Dutch merchantmen; after conflicting accounts of the initial firing, Bylandt fired a broadside and struck his colours.

Fielding wished to inspect the Dutch merchantmen for contraband destined for France. Marshall demanded van Bylandt agree to a physical inspection. Fielding stated he would begin searching the Dutch vessels the next morning, and Frederik replied that the Dutch would then open fire. Fielding closed in with Namur and two 74s but was blocked by van Bylandt with Prinses Royal Frederika Sophia Maria, Argo, and the frigate Alarm. Accounts of the ensuing exchange differ: Bylandt and his captains said the three British ships immediately replied with a broadside, answered by one Dutch broadside; Fielding said he fired a single shot, answered by a Dutch broadside and British broadsides in return. Bylandt fired a single broadside before striking his colours.

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