A minor Falklands War naval engagement in which Argentine supply vessel ARA Monsunen evaded British capture by grounding, then resumed its supply mission to Stanley.
Key Facts
- Date
- Evening of 22 May 1982
- British vessels
- HMS Brilliant and HMS Yarmouth
- Argentine vessel
- ARA Monsunen (armed coastal supply boat)
- Monsunen's cargo
- Fuel, ammunition and provisions for Stanley garrison
- Argentine rescue vessel
- ARA Forrest towed Monsunen to Goose Green
- Outcome
- Monsunen grounded to evade capture; supply mission completed
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
During Operation Sutton off San Carlos Bay, British forces learned that the Argentine Navy's armed coastal supply boat ARA Monsunen was transporting fuel, ammunition and provisions to Argentine troops holding Stanley, prompting orders for HMS Brilliant and HMS Yarmouth to intercept and seize the vessel.
On the evening of 22 May 1982, the two British frigates pursued ARA Monsunen west of Lively Island. Under heavy British shelling, the Argentine coaster's crew deliberately grounded the vessel in a nearby inlet to avoid capture, preventing the British from seizing either the ship or its militarily significant cargo.
ARA Monsunen eventually broke free of the inlet and was towed to Goose Green by the armed coaster ARA Forrest, which then completed the supply mission to Argentine forces. The episode demonstrated the difficulty British naval units faced in entirely cutting off Argentine logistical support during the campaign.
Belligerents & Mobilization Analysis
Side A
1 belligerent
Side B
1 belligerent