Who commanded the Spanish fleet at the Battle of Santiago de Cuba?

Pascual Cervera commanded the Spanish fleet at the Battle of Santiago de Cuba. The decisive naval battle took place on July 3, 1898, during the Spanish-American War, when Cervera's squadron attempted to escape the American blockade of Santiago harbor.

Cervera was an experienced Spanish naval officer who had warned that Spain's fleet was poorly prepared for war with the United States. His force included four armored cruisers and two destroyers, but the ships were outmatched by the American fleet in firepower, training, and readiness. Cervera nevertheless followed orders to sortie from the harbor.

The Spanish squadron was destroyed as it steamed westward along the Cuban coast. Cervera was rescued and taken prisoner, along with many of his sailors. The American commanders were William T. Sampson and Winfield Scott Schley, but Cervera was the Spanish commander—a common source of confusion in questions about the battle.