First Battle of Svensksund - Second Phase of The Battle

Second Phase of The Battle

Russian coastal fleet had meanwhile approached from the east and was probing its way through the Swedish blockade under fire. Decisive event happened at 16:00 when right wing of the Russian coastal fleet led by Giolio Litta managed to penetrate the narrow passage between Majasaari (Koiromsari) and Tiutine which had not been blockaded by the Swedes. Battle which had started well for the defender now turned into attackers favor. Russian attack forced the Swedish ships which had been guarding the blockade to withdraw making it possible to clear the obstacles.

Russians captured turuma Sällan Värre which had run aground while defending the blockades and hemmema Oden which had come to its aid. After it became clear that Russians had beaten the blockade Swedish archipelago fleet withdraw into the safety of fortress at Svartholm. During the withdrawal several other ships were lost, turuma Björn Järnsida - which had been the flagship of Ehrensvärd at the start of the battle - run aground and after fighting nearly to the last man it had to struck its colors. Frigate af Trolle and turuma Ragvald were also captured along with 1 gun sloop. Swedish auxiliaries and transport vessels trapped to the north of island of Kotka were burned to prevent their capture.