The Tornado spots the Virginius on open…

The Tornado spots the Virginius on open water six miles from Cuba and gives chase on October 30, 1873.

The Virginius is heavily weighted and the stress from the boilers causes the ship to take on water, significantly slowing any progress.

As the chase continues, the Tornado, a fast warship, fires on the Virginius several times, damaging the top deck.

Captain Fry, knowing that his ships overworked boilers and leaking hull cannot outrun the Tornado on the open sea, surrenders the Virginius.

The Spanish quickly board and secure the ship.

The entire crew is taken as prisoners and the ship sails to Santiago, Cuba.