 The first phase involved 1000 seamen and marines landing at "Valle Seco" beach, some two miles north of Santa Cruz harbour, from where the troops would surround and capture Fort Paso Alto.If the city had not surrendered at this point, then the landing party would march on the port and launch the final attack.Each ship of the line provided 200 men and each frigate 100, supported by 80 artillerymen.