Action of 30 May 1563

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Action of 30 May 1563
Part of Northern Seven Years' War
Date 30 May 1563
Location Proximity of Bornholm
Result Swedish victory
Belligerents
Flag of Sweden Sweden Flag of Denmark Denmark
Commanders
Jakob Bagge Jacob Brockenhuus
Strength
8 ships 3 ships
Casualties and losses
Negligible 3 ships captured


The Action of 30 May 1563 was the first naval battle of the Northern Seven Years' War (1563-70), taking place on 30 May 1563 near Bornholm. A Danish squadron of 8 ships under Jacob Brockenhuus, at anchor near Bornholm, saw a Swedish squadron of probably 8 ships, under Jakob Bagge, approaching, and sent only the 3 ships Hercules 81 (flag), Hector 38 and Hjort 46 toward it to show that they didn't want to fight. Unfortunately, when firing 3 shots as a challenge, they managed to hit one of the Swedish ships. The Swedes promptly surrounded and attacked the Danes, capturing all 3 after a 4 hour fight. The remaining Danish ships remained at anchor.