The action and capture by HMS Speedy, of the Spanish xebeque frigate El Gamo, by Charles Dixon
History
Spain
NameEl Gamo
NamesakeSpanish for "the fallow deer"
Captured6 May 1801 by Lord Cochrane
FateSold to Algeria as a merchantman
General characteristics
Class and type32-gun frigate
Displacement≈600 tons
Sail planInterchangeable xebec-rigged and ship-rigged
Complement319
Armament
  • 32 guns:
  • 22 × 12-pounder guns
  • 8 × 8-pounder guns
  • 2 × 24-pounder carronades

The Spanish ship El Gamo was a 32-gun xebec-frigate of the Spanish Navy which was captured by Lord Cochrane in the action of 6 May 1801. The engagement is notable for the large disparity between the size and firepower of El Gamo and her opponent, the British brig Speedy; the former was around four times the size, had much greater firepower and a crew six times the size of Speedy, which had a reduced crew of 54 at the time.[1]

After her capture, El Gamo was sold to the ruler of Algiers as a merchantman.

References

  1. ↑ Thomas, Donald (2002). Cochrane: The Story of Britannia's Sea Wolf. London, United Kingdom: Orion Books. ISBN 978-0304356591.
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