Action of 30 May 1781
| Action of 30 May 1781 | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Part of the Fourth Anglo-Dutch War | |||||||
1782 illustration of the battle by Joseph Marianus | |||||||
| |||||||
| Belligerents | |||||||
| Great Britain | Dutch Republic | ||||||
| Commanders and leaders | |||||||
|
Thomas Pakenham William Freeman |
Gerardus Oorthuys Pieter Melvill (POW) | ||||||
| Strength | |||||||
| 2 frigates | 2 frigates | ||||||
| Casualties and losses | |||||||
|
27 killed 65 wounded |
42 killed 84 wounded 240 captured 1 frigate captured | ||||||
The action of 30 May 1781, also known as the Battle of Cape St Mary (Dutch: Zeegevecht bij Kaap Sint-Marie) was a naval battle fought between two Royal Navy frigates and two Dutch States Navy frigates off the Cabo de Santa Maria. In a battle lasting more than two hours, Captain William Peere Williams-Freeman of the 36-gun Flora, compelled Captain Pieter Melvill van Carnbee's 36-gun Castor to strike his colours. Shortly after, Captain Gerardus Oorthuys of the 36-gun Den Briel compelled Thomas Pakenham to strike the 28-gun Crescent. However, Flora came to Crescent's rescue before Oorthuys could board her, and forced him to retreat.