HMS Penguin (1876)

HMS Penguin was a Doterel-class sloop of the Royal Navy, launched in 1876. She was primarily employed in surveying duties during her career, most notably in Australian and Pacific waters.

Commissioned in 1877, Penguin initially served on the Cape of Good Hope Station before being reassigned to the Australia Station in 1881. During her time in Australia, she conducted extensive charting and hydrographic surveys, contributing significantly to the accuracy of navigational charts for the region. She surveyed the coasts of Queensland, New Guinea, and various Pacific islands.

Penguin was re-commissioned in 1888 and continued her surveying work. She was involved in establishing British influence and monitoring activities in the Pacific, as well as suppressing the illegal labour trade known as "blackbirding."

In 1898, Penguin was converted into a depot ship and renamed Penguin II. She served in this role until she was sold out of service in 1909.

The legacy of HMS Penguin lies in the valuable hydrographic data she collected, which greatly improved maritime safety and facilitated trade and navigation in the regions she surveyed. The charts and information she produced remained in use for many years after her active service.