Greek naval victory that prevented Ottoman relief of Nauplia and demonstrated effective use of fireships against a numerically superior fleet.
Key Facts
- Dates of engagement
- 8–13 September 1822 (O.S.)
- Ottoman fleet size
- 84 vessels ships
- Greek fleet size
- 56 vessels plus 16 fireships ships
- Ottoman failed attempts
- 3 attempted breakthroughs
- Ottoman brig sunk
- 1 (on 13 September) vessel
- Greek firesship losses
- 2 (during first engagement) fireships
By the Numbers
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
The Ottoman Navy dispatched a fleet of eighty-four vessels under Kara Mehmet Pasha to destroy Greek naval power at Hydra and Spetses and relieve the besieged Ottoman garrison holding the fortresses at Nauplia during the Greek War of Independence.
From 8 to 13 September 1822, Greek forces under Admiral Andreas Miaoulis engaged the Ottoman fleet in the Argolic Gulf in three separate engagements. Miaoulis divided his seventy-two craft into squadrons to lure the Ottomans into a narrow strait, using fireships to threaten enemy vessels. The Ottomans withdrew after each attempted breakthrough, suffering the loss of at least one brig.
The Ottoman fleet withdrew without breaking through, and the Ottoman vice admiral was beheaded for the defeat. The siege of Nauplia effectively collapsed, and the Ottoman garrison capitulated, surrendering the fortresses of Nafplion in December 1822. Miaoulis was celebrated as a hero on his return to Greece.
Belligerents & Mobilization Analysis
Side A
1 belligerent
Andreas Miaoulis.
Side B
1 belligerent
Kara Mehmet Pasha (Mohammed Ali).