HMS Dominica (1810)

HMS Dominica (1810) was a British Royal Navy schooner launched in 1810. She was captured by the American privateer Decatur on 5 August 1813 after a fierce engagement.

Construction and Specifications:

HMS Dominica was constructed as a Bermuda schooner, a type known for its speed and maneuverability. Specific details regarding her dimensions and armament may vary across sources, but she typically carried between 12 and 16 guns, commonly a mix of cannons and carronades. The schooner configuration allowed for a relatively small crew.

Service History:

The Dominica served in the West Indies, primarily tasked with patrolling for enemy shipping and protecting British merchant vessels from privateers and pirates. Her early career likely involved routine patrols and minor engagements.

Capture by Decatur:

On 5 August 1813, while sailing off the coast of Nantucket, the Dominica encountered the American privateer Decatur, commanded by Captain Thomas Wansley. Despite being smaller and potentially less heavily armed than the Decatur, the Dominica, under the command of Lieutenant George Barne, engaged in a hard-fought battle. The engagement lasted approximately two hours, during which both vessels sustained heavy damage. Ultimately, the Dominica was forced to surrender to the Decatur.

Aftermath:

Following her capture, the Dominica was taken as a prize by the Decatur. The subsequent fate of the Dominica after her capture is not consistently documented in naval records. She may have been used briefly by the Americans or ultimately sold or otherwise disposed of. The capture of the Dominica was a notable success for the American privateer, highlighting the risks British ships faced in the region during the War of 1812.