Rupert, with the wind blowing from the northwest on June 7, tries again.

Convinced that the smaller Dutch fleet will withdraw to Hellevoetsluis when pressed, he detaches a special squadron at nine in the morning to cut off the retreating Dutch from the north.

In this task force he concentrates all lighter ships from the regular squadrons so that it would be able to maneuver more easily over the shoals.

De Ruyter, however, doesn’t budge.

When the squadron at last returns to the main allied line, joining Rupert's squadron, the Dutch start to move, but surprisingly in the direction of the enemy.

This forces Rupert to attack immediately to prevent the Dutch from gaining the weather gauge, before he can form a proper keel line.

The battle begins at noon and lasts for nine hours.

De Ruyter, using his superior knowledge of the shallow waters, is able to maneuver his fleet so close to the shoals that the allies find it difficult to engage without grounding.

Two French ships are lost, one Dutch ship is captured and then recaptured, and one, Deventer, sinks after grounding the next day.

Dutch Vice-Admiral Volckhard Schram (of the van) and Rear-Admiral David Vlugh (of the rearguard) are among those killed.