The Battle of Quiberon Bay on 20 November 1759, was perhaps the most decisive naval victory since the Armada. It was fought when Sir Edward Hawke gave chase to the French fleet in a running fight into Quiberon Bay, where the French felt that on account of the rocks, they would not be pursued. The French suffered a devastating defeat. The 'Soleil Royal' of 80 guns, the flagship of Monsieur de Conflans, was beached and burnt by her crew to protect it from seizure. Another flagship, the 'Formidable' was captured. While the 'Thesée' foundered in action and two others of that class were wrecked. Several other ships which sought shelter in the mouth of the River Vilaine could never be got down again. It was the most decisive naval action of the war and temporarily destroyed the naval power of France. The Bay of Biscay became an English sea.