Blockade of Iquique

Once war was declared by Chile upon Peru on Saturday, April 5, 1879, the first Chilean naval action for the War of the Pacific was set in motion. The plan was to block the Peruvian port of Iquique the same day the declaration of war was made. The first phase of the blockade ended on May 21, 1879, after the clashes between the Peruvian ships Huascar and Independencia versus the Chilean ships Esmeralda and Covadonga.

The second phase of the blockade was resumed on June 1, and lasted until August 2, 1879, at which time Williams Rebolledo had to resign for failing to succeed in its actions because of the excursions of the Huascar of Peruvian Admiral Miguel Grau against Chilean vessels.