April 20, 1453 · Sea of Marmara / Bosphorus entrance Theater
April 20, 1453
Three Genoese supply ships and one Byzantine vessel attempted to run the Ottoman naval blockade and reach Constantinople with supplies, helped by a favorable wind. The Ottoman fleet — 145 ships — attempted to stop them. In a remarkable engagement, the four large sailing ships used their height advantage and superior firepower to beat off attack after attack from the smaller Ottoman galleys, which could not board them effectively. With the wind dying, they became becalmed just short of the Golden Horn. Watching from the shore with his entire army, Mehmed was reportedly so furious that he rode his horse into the surf, screaming at his admirals. Eventually an evening wind brought the four ships safely into the harbor — the last successful resupply of Constantinople.
Commanders