On 18 December, Sceptre, Blonde, HMS Thetis 1782 2 , Freya, HMS Castor 1785 2 , HMS Cygnet 1804 2 , HMS Hazard 1794 2 , HMS Ringdove 1806 2 , and HMS Elizabeth 1805 2 proceeded to attack two French flûtes, Loire and Seine anchored in Anse à la Barque ("Barque Cove"), about 9 miles to the northwest of the town of Basse-Terre. ''