HMS Thetis (1817)

HMS Thetis was a Royal Navy fifth-rate frigate of 46 guns, launched in 1817. She was built at Pembroke Dockyard.

Thetis saw service in various parts of the world, including the Mediterranean and South America. Perhaps her most notable event was her wreck in 1830. While carrying a large quantity of bullion (gold and silver) from Rio de Janeiro, Thetis struck an uncharted rock at Cape Frio, Brazil, and sank.

The loss of the bullion was a significant event, and a lengthy and challenging salvage operation followed. Captain Thomas Dickinson, aboard HMS Lightning, led the recovery effort. Using innovative diving bell technology and considerable ingenuity, the vast majority of the bullion was eventually recovered over a period of several years. The salvage operation itself became quite famous at the time, showcasing British maritime engineering capabilities.

Following the successful recovery of the treasure, the name Thetis was reused for subsequent Royal Navy vessels.