Blockade Question

[Chertio]

I had a five-strong US naval force stationed at Fort Pickens, with enough elements to blockade the sea zone (plus two transports for supply). In one turn this changed from sufficient to needing 2 more ship points, the blockade failed and a Confederate force moved in to beseige the fort.

Does this happen as ships lose cohesion (they seem to do so rather quickly) and fail to maintain the blockade? If so, is there any way of knowing how long they have to go as effectives, so that replacements can be sent out in time?

[game version 1.13]

[Rafiki]

The number of elements needed to blockade will vary depending on fortifications. Are there any enemy fortifications there that weren't there (that you knew of) when you checked the number in the first place?

[Le Ricain]

The number of elements needed to blockade is dependent upon the defender's artillery. It sounds like the CSA moved an artillery unit into the area.

If Fort Pickens is in Union hands, you should not need transport to keep your blockading fleet supplied as the fort will do that. Better would be to convert the two transport into a depot in Fort Pickens to make sure that you have enough supply to include the GOM blockade box.

[Chertio]

Possibly there is new Confederate artillery in the area. Thank you for your replies and advice about the depot - I'll give it a try.