HMS Hindostan (1795)

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Career (UK)

Name:	HMS Hindustan
Acquired:	1795
Fate:	Lost following fire, Rosas Bay, Spain, April 2, 1804
General characteristics
Class and type:	Storeship
Tons burthen:	1,100 long tons (1,100 MT)
Length:	160 feet (49 m)
Beam:	42 feet (13 m)
Propulsion:	Sails
Sail plan:	Full rigged ship
Armament:	54 guns

For other ships of the same name, see HMS Hindustan.

HMS Hindustan (variously Hindostan) was a 50-gun fifth rate ship of the line of the Royal Navy. Originally a teak-built East Indiaman named Born built in India, she was bought into Royal Navy service in 1795. She was converted to a storeship in 1802, and lost in 1804.

[edit] Loss

In 1804 the Hindustan was despatched to carry supplies to Horatio Nelson, who was at the time Commander-in-chief of the Mediterranean fleet. The ship was commanded by Captain John Le Gros, and had 259 people on board, including passengers.

Arriving at Gibraltar in Match, she sailed from there to join Nelson off Toulon in company with the frigate HMS Phoebe, but became separated from the Phoebe during a gale in the Gulf of Lyons.

On the morning of April 2, while about 30 miles to the south-east of Cape St. Sebastian, thick smoke was seen coming from the fore and main hatchways. Attempts were made to find the source of the fire but no flames could be discovered. Orders were given to throw the ship's gunpowder overboard and an unsuccessful attempt was made to flood the magazine.

After struggling to fight the fire for about 7 hours, they made land in Rosas Bay, but when they were still 15 miles (24 km), flames suddenly erupted from the hatchways. By the time the ship was beached, about 1 mile (1.6 km) from the shore, she completely aflame. Local vessels were afraid to approach too closely, but using the ship's own boats and an improvised raft, the ship's passengers and crew were saved shortly before the ship blew up. It is estimated that no more than three men were lost.

As was usual in the event of a ship being lost, a court martial was held, and the captain, officers, and ship's company were honourably acquitted. The Hindostan's acting lieutenant, Thomas Banks, was recommended to Nelson for promotion by the members of the court-martial for his conduct during the wreck and his promotion to lieutenant was confirmed on June 23 1804.

The cause of the fire was much debated, and it was suggested that it may have been due to spontaneous combustion of hemp cordage or sails being stored when not completely dry.