Action of 22 August 1866 facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Action of 22 August 1866
Part of the Chincha Islands War
Chilean steamer Pampero
Date 22 August 1866 Location Funchal, Madeira 32°38′N 16°54′W / 32.633°N 16.900°W / 32.633; -16.900 Result Spanish victory
Belligerents
Spain	Chile
Commanders and leaders
Don Benito Escalera	Juan MacPherson 60 men
Strength
1 frigate	1 steamer
Casualties and losses
none	1 steamer captured

The Action of 22 August 1866 was a naval event that happened during the Chincha Islands War. It took place near Funchal, a city on the island of Madeira. This event was the very last battle between Spanish and Chilean ships in that war.

A Chase at Sea: The Capture of the Tornado

On August 22, 1866, a Chilean ship named the Tornado was captured. This happened near the island of Madeira. A Spanish warship, the frigate Gerona, caught the Tornado.

The Tornado's Visit to Madeira

The Chilean steamer Tornado was led by Juan MacPherson. He was an English commander working for the Chilean Navy. The Tornado arrived in Madeira on August 21. Its goal was to get supplies like coal and food. They also wanted to find new sailors for the crew. The plan was to stay until August 23.

The Spanish Ship Appears

However, at 2:00 PM on August 22, a lookout on the Tornado saw another ship. It was the Spanish frigate Gerona, an armed warship. Captain MacPherson decided to leave quickly. He left all their supplies on the dock. The Tornado started sailing away just 90 minutes after the Spanish ship was first seen.

In their hurry, the Tornado did not get permission to leave the port. Portuguese officials in Madeira had not inspected the ship. The Portuguese fired two blank shots. These were signals for the Tornado to stop. But the Tornado kept sailing out of the port.

The Chase Begins

The Spanish ship Gerona had a special mission. It was sent from Cádiz, Spain. Its commander was Captain Benito Ruiz de la Escalera. Their job was to capture the Tornado and its sister ship, the Cyclone.

The blank shots fired by the Portuguese alerted the Gerona. The Spanish ship knew the Tornado was nearby. So, the Gerona began to chase the Chilean steamer.

The Capture

At 10:30 PM, the Gerona fired a blank shot. The Tornado still did not stop. The Gerona then fired three shots using live ammunition. At this point, the Tornado stopped its engines. Its crew also lowered their flag. This act is called "striking its colors." It means they were giving up.

The crew of the Tornado was moved to the Gerona. A new crew from the Spanish Navy took over the Tornado. This new crew was called a "prize crew." They were led by naval lieutenant Manuel de Bustillo y Pery. The Tornado then sailed to Cádiz, arriving on August 26. The Gerona went back to Madeira. It searched for the Tornado's sister ship, the Cyclone, but did not find it.

Aftermath

After being captured, the Tornado became part of the Spanish Navy. It kept the same name.

See also

In Spanish: Captura de la corbeta Tornado para niños