French frigate Surveillante (1778)

The Surveillante was a 32-gun Magicienne-class frigate of the French Royal Navy, launched in 1778. She is best known for her participation in the American Revolutionary War, particularly her involvement in the Battle of Ushant and her celebrated duel with the British frigate HMS Quebec in 1779.

Ordered in 1777 and built in Brest, the Surveillante served under several notable captains. Her design, typical of French frigates of the period, prioritized speed and maneuverability. She was armed with 26 x 12-pounder guns on her main deck and 6 x 6-pounder guns on her quarterdeck and forecastle.

At the Battle of Ushant in 1778, the Surveillante played a role in the confused fighting between the French and British fleets. The following year, on 6 October 1779, she engaged HMS Quebec in a fierce single-ship action. After a prolonged and bloody battle, the Quebec was set ablaze and exploded. While the Surveillante survived the engagement, she suffered significant damage and heavy casualties.

After repairs, the Surveillante continued to serve in the French Navy. She was involved in supporting American forces during the later stages of the Revolutionary War.

In 1796, during the French Revolutionary Wars, the Surveillante ran aground off Bantry Bay while participating in the Expédition d'Irlande, an attempt to land French troops in Ireland to support a rebellion against British rule. She was irreparably damaged and lost.

The wreck of the Surveillante was located in Bantry Bay in 1985 and has since been the subject of archaeological investigation. Her story is a notable example of the role French frigates played in the American Revolutionary War and the turbulent naval history of the late 18th century.