HMS Dartmouth (1693)

HMS Dartmouth was a fifth-rate frigate of the Royal Navy, launched in 1693. She was built at Rotherhithe by William Castle. Dartmouth was armed with between 32 and 48 guns (sources vary, reflecting possible re-armament during her service life).

Her career saw service during the Nine Years' War (also known as the War of the Grand Alliance or King William's War) and the War of the Spanish Succession. Details of her individual commissions and captains throughout her service are fragmented, typical of many ships of the era due to incomplete historical records.

She is best known for being wrecked off the coast of Florida in 1699 while attempting to suppress piracy in the Caribbean. Captain Pasfield, her commander at the time, successfully landed the crew, and most were later rescued. The wreck site of the Dartmouth has been discovered and is a protected archaeological site, providing valuable insights into ship construction and maritime life of the late 17th century. The wreck's location off Key Largo makes it a significant historical resource for understanding the challenges faced by the Royal Navy in combating piracy during this period.