It was hoped that the Georgios Averof, the only major Greek unit fast enough to catch the Hamidiye, would be drawn in pursuit and leave the remainder of the Greek fleet weakened.
Loodeti, et Georgios Averof, ainus suur Kreeka üksus, küllalt kiire Hamidiyet püüdma, meelitatakse eemale ja ülejäänud Kreeka laevastik nõrgeneb.