 The action and capture by HMS Speedy, of the Spanish xebeque frigate El Gamo, by Charles Dixon
| |
| History | |
|---|---|
.svg){kind=small} Spain | |
| Name | El Gamo |
| Namesake | Spanish for "the fallow deer" |
| Captured | 6 May 1801 by Lord Cochrane |
| Fate | Sold to Algeria as a merchantman |
| General characteristics | |
| Class and type | 32-gun frigate |
| Displacement | ≈600 tons |
| Sail plan | Interchangeable xebec-rigged and ship-rigged |
| Complement | 319 |
| Armament |
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The Spanish ship El Gamo was a 32-gun xebec-frigate of the Spanish Navy which was captured by Thomas 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.
- ^ Thomas, Donald (2002). Cochrane: The Story of Britannia's Sea Wolf. London, United Kingdom: Orion Books. ISBN 978-0304356591.