1804 minor naval engagement fought in the approaches to Vizagapatam harbour in the Coastal Andhra region of British India on the Bay of Bengal
A minor 1804 naval clash near Visakhapatnam showed French raiding limits in the Indian Ocean, forcing Linois's squadron to withdraw for extensive repairs.
Key Facts
- Date
- 18 September 1804
- Duration of engagement
- Four hours
- French flagship repairs
- Six months at Île de France
- East Indiaman cargo at Pulo Aura
- £8 million (prior convoy)
- French squadron commander
- Counter-Admiral Charles-Alexandre Léon Durand Linois
- British escort vessel
- HMS Centurion (fourth-rate)
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
French Counter-Admiral Linois was conducting a prolonged Indian Ocean raiding campaign following his failure to press the attack at the Battle of Pulo Aura in February 1804. Cruising north along the Bay of Bengal coast, he learned from a captured vessel off Masulipatam that East Indiamen were anchored at Visakhapatnam, and resolved to attack, unaware the escort had been upgraded from a small frigate to the larger HMS Centurion.
On 18 September 1804, Linois's squadron approached Visakhapatnam harbour at dawn aboard the ship of the line Marengo. One East Indiaman ran aground in panic; the other was captured after failing to support Centurion. The British fourth-rate fought alone for four hours, initially aided by shore gun batteries, then engaging Marengo directly as both vessels moved offshore. Marengo, remaining well out to avoid coastal shoals, eventually withdrew, badly damaged.
Centurion attempted to pursue the withdrawing Marengo without success. Linois's squadron was compelled to return to Île de France, where the damaged Marengo required six months of repairs, effectively ending the raiding cruise along the Indian coast and curtailing French naval pressure in the region.
Belligerents & Mobilization Analysis
Side A
1 belligerent
Captain (HMS Centurion, unnamed in source).
Side B
1 belligerent
Counter-Admiral Charles-Alexandre Léon Durand Linois.