On the 24th they passed the port of Guayaquil, and on the 28th crossed the line.

On the 1st of March a sail was descried ahead and, sailing towards her, they found that she was indeed the vessel of which they were in search; and of which they had heard not only at Lima, but from a ship which they took at Paita, laden with wine; and from another, on board of which they found eighty pounds weight in gold, in Guayaquil.
The Cacafuego had no thought that the solitary ship which was seen approaching was that of Captain Drake; but taking her for a Spaniard, made no effort to fly.

When, upon her coming close and hailing her to surrender, they discovered their mistake, the captain made a bold fight.

Hastily loading his carronades, he poured a volley into the Golden Hind, and did not surrender his ship until one of his masts had fallen by the board, and he himself was wounded.

Then, finding further resistance useless, he hauled down his flag.
The booty taken was even greater than had been expected.