Fleet Management

[Jack Spencer]

In 6th rate single Combat Missions, I keep getting 3 Rookie Brigs (combined BR = 90; broadside weight = 96) compared to my Rattlesnake (BR 50; broadside weight = 36 with 4 pdrs). So I started taking a fleet ship with me. In another 3 Rookie mission, my fleet ship got down to about 1/3 structure left so I issued an order to Retreat. The fleet ship proceeded to depart and I managed to sink all three Rookies. The battle lasted about 20 minutes after my fleet left. The description about Retreat says that a fleet ship will leave the battle after 2 minutes and is considered safe. I know none of the Rookies chased my fleet ship as I could see them all chasing me. The Battle Over notice indicated it was safe to leave the area. There was no sign of my fleet ship on the battle map. When I got back to port I had no fleet ship. What happened to the fleet ship?  

[Raekur]

Did you hit Tab at the end of the battle to confirm that your fleet ship escaped? If a ship is taking on water then it will be unable to retreat until either the leaks are fixed or the ship sinks. 

 

Personally I stopped taking fleet ships when my surprise lost to a niagra after inflicting very little damage to the niagra.

Seems like hostile AI are spot on snipers and friendly ai are still using Nerf weapons.

[Jack Spencer]

Thanks for your reply! No, I didn't think to hit Tab. So you are probably right - it sank.