A stormy passage from Sicily had dispersed…

A stormy passage from Sicily had dispersed the Angevin fleet.

Richard puts at Cyprus and, after some searching, discovers that the boat carrying his sister Joan and his fiancée Berengaria of Navarre is anchored on the south coast of the island together with the wrecks of several other ships, including the treasure ship.

Survivors of the wrecks had been taken prisoner by the island's despot Isaac Komnenos.

Richard's fleet on May 1, 1191, arrive in the port of Lemesos (Limassol) on Cyprus.

He orders Isaac to release the prisoners and the treasure.

Isaac, underestimating Richard's strength, refuses, so Richard lands his troops and takes Limassol.

Various princes of the Holy Land arrive in Limassol at the same time, in particular Guy of Lusignan.

All declare their support for Richard provided that he support Guy against his rival Conrad of Montferrat.

The local barons abandon Isaac, who considers making peace with Richard, joining him on the crusade and offering his daughter in marriage to the person named by Richard, but Isaac changes his mind and tries to escape.

Richard then proceeds to conquer the whole island, his troops being led by Guy de Lusignan.

Isaac surrenders and is confined with silver chains because Richard had promised that he would not place him in irons.

By June 1, Richard has conquered the whole island.

He names Richard de Camville and Robert of Thornham as governors.

The rapid conquest of the island by Richard is very important, as the island occupies a key strategic position on the maritime lanes to the Holy Land, whose occupation by the Christians cannot continue without support from the sea.

The Knights Templar subsequently acquire the island from Richard, who sets sail for Acre.