On May 10 Piet Hein was sent with five vessels to contain the enemy's fleet and cover the landing of the military forces.

But Hein, far from being content with a passive role, attacked the Portuguese, burnt or captured all their ships and then, embarking his men in launches, stormed the defences of the island and spiked the guns.

Meanwhile the troops had, without opposition, occupied a Benedictine convent on the heights opposite the town.

But the daring of Piet Hein had caused a panic to seize the garrison.

Despite the efforts of the governor, Diogo de Mendoca Furdado, there was a general exodus in the night, both of the soldiery and the inhabitants.