Key Facts
- Dates
- 8–13 September 1822 (O.S.)
- Ottoman fleet size
- 84 vessels
- Greek fleet size
- 56 vessels and 16 fireships
- Ottoman breakthrough attempts
- 3 (all failed)
- Greek fireships lost
- 2
Strategic Narrative Overview
Greek Admiral Andreas Miaoulis, drawing inspiration from Themistocles at Salamis, divided seventy-two vessels into three squadrons to funnel the superior Ottoman fleet into a narrow strait. Three engagements occurred on 8, 10, and 13 September. Calm winds foiled the initial Greek withdrawal, costing two fireships, but the Ottomans retreated each time. On 13 September, a Greek fireship reportedly sank an Ottoman brig, breaking Ottoman resolve and ending the contest.
01 / The Origins
During the Greek War of Independence, the Ottoman Navy dispatched a fleet of eighty-four vessels under Kara Mehmet Pasha to destroy Greek naval power centered on Hydra and Spetses, and to relieve the besieged Ottoman garrison holding Nauplia (Nafplio). Control of the Argolic Gulf was strategically vital, as the fall of Nauplia's fortresses would represent a significant blow to Ottoman authority in the Peloponnese.
03 / The Outcome
The Ottoman fleet withdrew after three failed breakthrough attempts, and the action was counted a Greek victory. The Ottoman vice admiral was beheaded following the defeat. Shortly afterward, the siege of Nauplia concluded when the Ottoman garrison capitulated and surrendered the fortresses of Nafplion in December 1822, a direct consequence of the fleet's failure to relieve them.
Belligerents & Mobilization Analysis
Side A
1 belligerent
Kara Mehmet Pasha.
Side B
1 belligerent
Andreas Miaoulis, Kosmas Barbatsis.
Kinetic Engagement Axis
Scroll horizontally to view full axis. Events plotted relatively.