In July 1586, a notable naval confrontation occurred off the coast of Pantelleria, an island situated between Sicily and Tunisia in the Mediterranean Sea. A convoy comprised of English trading vessels, part of the Levant Company, was on a routine voyage when it encountered a joint fleet consisting of eleven Spanish and Maltese galleys. The presence of these powerful galleys posed a serious threat to English maritime trade and interests in the region. However, the English ships, adeptly maneuvering and employing effective naval tactics, managed to repel the attackers successfully.

The battle was a display of naval strategy and determination, as the English crew utilized their ships' strengths against the galleys' advantages in manpower and armament. The clash did not just result in a tactical victory for the English, but it also served to bolster their reputation in naval warfare during the late 16th century. This incident not only protected the convoy's cargo but also asserted English resolve in defending its interests against foreign powers in the Mediterranean.

The aftermath of the confrontation had significant repercussions for both the English and Spanish navies, shaping future engagements in the ongoing maritime conflicts of the era. In the larger context of the Anglo-Spanish War, this battle contributed to the evolving dynamics of naval warfare, influencing tactical developments among European powers that aimed for supremacy over the seas.