In 1799 the Anglo-Russian invasion of Holland led to the capture of Nieuwediep and the and the loss of about two dozen ships. In the subsequent Vlieter incident, a cornered Dutch fleet of eight ships of the line and four frigates then mutinied and surrendered without firing a shot. Efforts to fortify the position then started in 1803, but funds were limited. Meanwhile, operations continued in Nieuwediep. Warehouses were restored etc. In 1811 Napoleon Bonaparte visited Den Helder, and ordered the construction the biggest naval base and maintenance shipyard of the Netherlands, as well as an extensive ring of fortifications.