Battle off Cape Gata

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Date	June 17, 1815
Location	off Cape Gata,Mediterranean sea
Result	Decisive American victory

Belligerents

United States

Algiers

Commanders

Stephen Decatur, Jr.

Ra'is Hammidia†

Strength

3 frigates
2 sloops
2 brigantines
2 schooners

1 frigate

Casualties and losses

4 KIA
10 WIA

1 frigate captured
406 POW
30 KIA
many wounded

v • d • e Second Barbary War

Battle off Cape Gata–Battle off Cape Palos–Bombardment of Algiers

The Battle off Cape Gata, which took place June 17, 1815, was the first battle of the Second Barbary War where a fleet of American vessels captured the flagship of the Algerian Navy

[edit] Background

Stephen Decatur's fleet left New York on May 20th with orders to destroy Algerian vessels and bring the dey of Algeria to terms for attacking American shipping. He reached the Strait of Gibraltar on the 15th of June and began his mission.

[edit] Battle

After learning that several Algerian cruisers had crossed the Straights of Gibraltar shortly before he did, Commodore Stephen Decatur, Jr. decided to give them chase. Commanding a fleet of nine vessels, he encountered the Algerian flagship Meshuda of forty six guns off Cape Gata, Spain. Being heavily outnumbered the admiral Ra'is Hammidia decided to try to flee to the port of Algiers, but was overtaken by the American squadron. After receiving damage from the USS Constellation and the admiral himself being wounded, the Algerians instead decided to change course and try for the safety of a neutral port along the Spanish coast. Unfortunately for the Algerians the Constellation and the sloop USS Ontario were able to close in and hammer the Algerian frigate. The Algerians resorted to replying with musket fire at close range, but Decatur was able to get his flagship the USS Guerriere alongside the Algerian. Firing a devastating broadside, the Guerriere devastated the enemy and killed the Algerian admiral. Decatur ceased firing, expecting the Algerian ship to surrender. Instead the Algerians continued to fight hopelessly with muskets as long as they were able. As a result Decatur had the sloop USS Epervier fire nine broadsides into the Meshuda with disastrous effect. The bloodied Algerians then struck their colors and ended the battle. Four hundred and six Algerians were captured, with most being wounded as well as thirty killed. The American losses were remarkably light losing only four dead and ten wounded all on the Guerriere. Most of the American casualties were due to a gun explosion, but a few were due to enemy action. After sending the captured frigate off to Cartagena Decatur continued to Algiers.