Meanwhile success had attended Thijssen.

The lagging Dutch ships coming up gradually threatened the convoy of Spanish transports and drew off many of the galleons for their protection.

The _Provintie van Utrecht_ indeed, like the _Prins Willem_, caught fire and was burnt to the water's edge; but the vice-admiral himself sank the _St Antonio de Padua_ and another galleon that came to Vallecilla's help, and captured a third.

It was a bloody and apparently indecisive fight, but the Dutch enjoyed the fruits of victory.

Oquendo made no attempt to capture the Reciff and Olinda, but, after landing the troops he convoyed at a favourable spot, sailed northwards, followed by Thijssen.
But though relieved the position was still very serious.