Unexpected Development

Arthur had not sent a fleet to defend the ocean-side entrance of the strait. Having destroyed Aragon's ocean fleet, he saw no immediate threat from the sea, and with limited warships at his disposal, he prioritized protecting the White Sea entrance instead. The logistics fleet departing from Pendralis consisted mostly of sailing ships, as the steam-powered ironclad warships had been dispatched to the White Sea entrance to block any Aragonese attack.

Arthur believed that since Aragon's ocean fleet had been wiped out, no enemy force remained to challenge his supply lines. Without enough ironclad escorts, he had allowed sailing ships to provide protection for the logistics convoy.