Although this drawing is not dated two others of the action in the NMM’s collection are dated 1707. The drawing is inscribed 'Vigo 1702' in the upper left corner and signed lower left 'W.V. Velde J'. It may be a study for a painting of the action at Vigo that was never painted, if the dating is correct, as van de Velde died 6/17 April 1707. It is drawn with great vigour.

During the War of the Spanish Succession, while returning from Cadiz in command of an Anglo-Dutch fleet, Sir George Rooke learnt that a valuable Spanish treasure fleet with its French escort had put into Vigo bay. When he arrived, he found that the French admiral had thrown a strong boom across the entrance. This, however was broken by Sir Thomas Hopsonn in the 'Torbay' and the fleet following him in took every ship not already burnt by the French. The action is viewed from the westward at the moment the 'Torbay', seen in the centre middle-distance with a flag at the fore, reached the boom across the harbour. Fifteen of the other Dutch and English ships are shown stern view as they run in towards the boom. The French and Spanish ships are shown in the distance. Undetermined countermark with an 'H', but not the countermark of 14.