In the fall of 1825, the Greek fleet was attempting to land supplies to Missolonghi, under siege by the Ottomans and the Egyptians since last April. On November 21, the Greek fleet was sailing by the islands near Astakos when the Egyptian fleet attacked them with fireships. The passages between the islands were narrow so large ships had some difficulty moving about. A group of Greek boats turned against the leading Egyptian fire ship, whose inexperienced crew abandoned it at the sight of the impeding Greeks. The fire ship run aground and burned harmlessly while the rest of the Egyptian fleet retreated having lost two captains.