Gregory IX had scheduled a general council for Easter 1241 at Rome. Otto, with many other churchman, including James of Pecorara, took ship at Genoa for Rome. The Genoese fleet was intercepted by the pro-imperial fleet of Pisa and defeated in a battle of Giglio on 3 May 1241. Otto and James were captured and brought to Salerno in the Kingdom of Sicily. Otto received better treatment than James, perhaps because he was seen as more valuable in negotiations.