Battle of Cape Spartel

Battle of Cape Spartel
Part of the American Revolutionary War

Relief of Gibraltar by Earl Howe, 11 October 1782, Richard Paton
Date20 October 1782
Location35°55′33″N 5°54′39″W / 35.9257°N 5.9109°W / 35.9257; -5.9109
Result Inconclusive
Belligerents
Great Britain Spain
France
Commanders and leaders
Richard Howe Luis de Córdova
Strength
34 ships of the line
1 frigate
34 ships of the line
Casualties and losses
63 killed
198 wounded
360 killed and wounded

The Battle of Cape Spartel was an indecisive naval battle between a Franco-Spanish fleet under Admiral Luis de Córdova y Córdova and a British fleet under Admiral Richard Howe. These forces met on 20 October 1782 after Howe successfully resupplied Gibraltar, then under siege by Bourbon forces during the American Revolutionary War.