The Roman plan of attack is concerted between Eastern Emperor Leo, Western Emperor Anthemius, and General Marcellinus, who enjoys independence in Illyricum.

Basiliscus is ordered to sail directly to Carthage, while Marcellinus attacks and takes Sardinia, and a third army, commanded by Heraclius of Edessa, lands on the Libyan coast east of Carthage, making rapid progress.

It appears that the combined forces met in Sicily, whence the three fleets moved at different periods.

Sardinia and Libya have already been conquered by Marcellinus and Heraclius, when Basiliscus casts anchor off the Promontorium Mercurii, now Cap Bon, opposite Sicily, about forty miles from Carthage.

Genseric requests Basiliscus to allow him five days to draw up the conditions of a peace.

During the negotiations, Geiseric gathers his ships and suddenly attacks the Roman fleet.

The Vandals had filled many vessels with combustible materials.

During the night, these fire ships are propelled against the unguarded and unsuspecting Roman fleet.

The Eastern Roman commanders try to rescue some ships from destruction, but these maneuvers are blocked by the attack of other Vandal vessels.

Basiliscus flees in the heat of the battle.

One half of the Roman fleet is burned, sunk, or captured, and the other half follow the fugitive Basiliscus.

The entire expedition has failed.