Action of 16 October 1799

The action of 16 October 1799 was a minor naval engagement during the War of the Second Coalition between a squadron of Royal Navy frigates and two frigates of the Spanish Navy close to the naval port of Vigo in Galicia. Both Spanish ships were a treasure convoy, carrying silver specie and luxury trade goods across the Atlantic Ocean from Spanish America to Spain. Sighted by British frigate HMS Naiad enforcing the blockade of Vigo late on the 15 October, the Spanish ships were in the last stages of their journey. Turning to flee from Naiad, the Spanish soon found themselves surrounded as more British frigates closed in.

Although they separated their ships in an effort to split their opponents, the Spanish captains were unable to escape: Thetis was captured after a short engagement with HMS Ethalion on the morning of 16 October, while Santa Brigida almost reached safety, only being caught on the morning of 17 October in the approaches to the safe harbour at Muros. After a short engagement amid the rocks she was also captured by an overwhelming British force. Both captured ships were taken to Britain, where their combined cargoes were transported with great fanfare to the Bank of England. The eventual value of their cargo was assessed as at least £618,040, resulting in one of the largest hauls of prize money ever awarded.