The French force consisted of 12 ships of the line plus frigates, the British had 17 ships of the line plus figates. The French under Vice-Admiral Villaret-Joyeuse had been intending to enter Brest but coming upon the British fleet he ran for Lorient.
Vice-Admiral Lord Bridport ordered a general chase but only eight British ships were able to make contact. Bridport called off the action, some say prematurely, because of the nearness of the French coast.

Twenty miles or so southwest to south of the port of Lorient, western France.

French Fleet

Number engaged :

n/a

Casualties :

670

British Fleet

Number engaged :

n/a

Casualties :

144