Mehmed Ali dreaded a naval defeat against the Europeans as certain disaster

Evidence

If, therefore, the Europeans are not bluffing … then we have to realize that we cannot stand up against them, and the only possible outcome [if we do so] will be sinking the entire fleet and causing the death of up to 30 or 40 thousand men … Then it will be said that Mehmed Ali Pasha was the cause of this disaster and my name will always be stained with such a disgrace … Taking the responsibility of wasting thirty or forty thousand lives is no easy task. I have, therefore, stopped sending letters to my son encouraging him to fight on. — Khaled Fahmy, All the Pasha_s Men_ Mehmed Ali, his…, 238