Fire was opened on both sides, but neither was effective, the position of the frigate preventing an effective aim.

The sea drove her higher upon the rocks, and she careened so much that all the guns became useless.

The Tripolitans, seeing her helplessness, now came closer and increased their fire.
There was no help for Captain Bainbridge.

Unable to deliver an effective shot, the enemy could kill every one of his men.

He therefore flooded his magazine, blocked the pumps, bored holes through the bottom of the ship in order to sink her if his enemies succeeded in releasing her, and then struck his flag.