Battle of Santa Cruz de Tenerife (1657)

Battle of Santa Cruz de Tenerife
Part of Anglo-Spanish War (1654–1660)

Robert Blake's flagship George at the battle of Santa Cruz de Tenerife in 1657.
Date20 April 1657 [O.S. 30 April 1657]
Location28°28′21″N 16°14′33″W / 28.47250°N 16.24250°W / 28.47250; -16.24250
Result Protectorate victory
Belligerents
Spanish Empire The Protectorate
Commanders and leaders
Admiral Diego de Egües y Beaumont
Alonso Dávila y Guzmán
Admiral Robert Blake
Sir Richard Stayner
Strength
2 galleons,
9 merchant ships,
5 other vessels,
1 castle and various shore gun emplacements
23 warships
Casualties and losses
12 ships sunk, 5 captured
300 killed
48 killed & 120 wounded
Location within Canary Islands
Battle of Santa Cruz de Tenerife (1657) (Africa)

The Battle of Santa Cruz de Tenerife was a military operation in the Anglo-Spanish War (1654–60) which took place on 20 April 1657. An English Protectorate fleet under Admiral Robert Blake penetrated the heavily defended harbour at Santa Cruz de Tenerife in the Spanish Canary Islands and attacked their treasure fleet. The treasure had already been landed and was safe but the English engaged the harbour forts and the Spanish ships, many of which were scuttled and the remainder burnt. Having achieved his aim, Blake withdrew without losing any ships.