HMS Hazard was an 18-gun brig-sloop of the Royal Navy, launched in 1837. Built at Portsmouth Dockyard, she represented a standard design for vessels of her class during the early Victorian era, intended for various roles including patrol, anti-slavery operations, and light combat.
Design and Construction
Hazard was an 18-gun brig-sloop, part of a class of vessels designed for speed and maneuverability, carrying a significant armament for their size. She was constructed from traditional timber materials at one of the Royal Navy's primary dockyards.
Service History
Upon commissioning, Hazard initially served in the Mediterranean Sea. Her most notable period of service came during the First Opium War (1839–1842) in China. She participated in various operations throughout the conflict, including actions around Canton (Guangzhou) and other coastal engagements alongside other British warships. Her duties often involved blockades, landings, and supporting ground forces.
Following the Opium War, Hazard continued her service in various capacities and stations around the world, though details of these later deployments are less extensively documented.
Fate
In 1856, HMS Hazard was converted into a coal hulk, serving as a floating storage facility for coal, a common fate for older naval vessels. She continued in this role for over a decade before finally being sold out of service in 1867.