Action of 16 May 1797

Action of 16 May 1797

A painting of the engagement by Terkild Emanuel Lønning
Date16 May 1797
Location
Result See aftermath
Belligerents
Denmark–Norway Denmark–Norway Tripolitania
Commanders and leaders
Denmark–Norway Steen Bille Yusuf Karamanli
Strength
1 frigate
1 brig
1 xebec
3 xebecs
3 smaller vessels
Casualties and losses
Unknown Unknown

The Action of 16 May 1797 was a naval battle that took place near Tripoli in Ottoman Tripolitania (present-day Libya). The Danish squadron was attacked by a Tripolitan squadron that outnumbered them in number of vessels.