Before revision: The Spanish commander Casto Méndez Núñez, informed of the location of the Peruvian-Chilean fleet, ordered the steam frigates Villa de Madrid (Captain Claudio Alvar González ) and Reina Blanca (Commander Juan Topete) to lift the blockade on Valparaiso and sail towards Abtao to intercept the enemy fleet.
After revision: The Spanish commander Casto Méndez Núñez, informed of the location of the Peruvian-Chilean fleet, ordered the steam frigates Villa de Madrid (Captain Claudio Alvargonzález ) and Reina Blanca (Commander Juan Topete) to lift the blockade on Valparaiso and sail towards Abtao to intercept the enemy fleet.