The Sao Joao Bautisa left Luando crossing the Atlantic Ocean, the equator, the Caribbean Sea, the Gulf of Mexico, and to the Gulf of Campeche. It was in the Gulf of Campeche that the captains of the White Lion and the Treasurer spot and attack the Sao Joao Bautisa as it sailed to the port at Vera Cruz.
The White Lion and the Treasurer were both privateers that is legal pirates who had permission to attack any Portuguese or Spanish ship. On this occasion they worked together to plunder any gold found on board of the Sao Joao Bautisa.