 On 4 January 1638 a decisive sea engagement took place off the coast of Goa between Portuguese and Dutch naval forces.The Portuguese fleet was decimated following this battle and the victorious Dutch Admiral Adam Westerwolt (1580-1639) decided to attack the Portuguese fort at Batticaloa on Ceylon with a fleet of five ships and 800 men.In coalition with strong Singhalese forces he conquered the fort on 18 May 1638.