A naval battle fought at Aboukir Bay on the Mediterranean coast of Egypt, in which a British fleet defeated a French fleet. The French admiral had anchored his fleet of 13 vessels in the bay. He believed his ships to be safe from attack, but Nelson, the British commander, was able partially to encircle the French fleet. Nine French ships were destroyed, including the flagship L’Orient. This conclusive victory established Nelson’s prestige, destroyed Napoleon’s plans for Egypt, and encouraged the signing of the second coalition against France.