Action of 30 October 1762 facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Action of 30 October 1762
Part of the Anglo-Spanish War (1762–63)
Admiral Sir Hyde Parker, 5th Bt, George Romney
Date 30 October 1762 Location Off Cavite, Pacific Ocean Result British victory
Belligerents
Great Britain	Spain
Commanders and leaders
Hyde Parker Richard King	Unknown
Strength
1 ship of the line 1 frigate	1 galleon
Casualties and losses
35 killed 37 wounded	18 killed 10 wounded 750 captured 1 galleon captured

The Action of 30 October 1762 was a small but important sea battle. It happened near Manila in the Philippines. Two ships from the British Royal Navy fought against one large Spanish ship. The British ships, HMS Panther and HMS Argo, captured a very valuable Spanish treasure ship. This ship was called the Santisima Trinidad.

What Happened Before the Battle?

The Santisima Trinidad Ship

The Santisima Trinidad was a huge ship built in 1750. It was made in Manila, Philippines. At the time, it was the biggest Manila galleon ever built. These galleons were large Spanish ships. They were used to carry valuable goods across the Pacific Ocean. They sailed between Spanish colonies.

A Journey Gone Wrong

On September 3, 1762, the Trinidad left the port of Cavite. It was heading for Acapulco in Spanish Mexico. The ship was full of valuable cargo. But strong winds stopped it from leaving the San Bernardino Strait. This strait is a narrow passage of water.

In early October, a big storm hit the ship. It might have been the end of a typhoon. The storm broke the ship's main masts. The crew decided to turn back to Cavite. They used a temporary mast setup called a jury rig.

War Breaks Out

The crew did not know that Spain and Great Britain were now at war. Spain had joined forces with France. Because of this war, a British force had attacked and captured Manila. This happened just as the Trinidad was leaving port.

The Battle of the Trinidad

Finding the Treasure Ship

As the Trinidad sailed back through the San Bernardino Strait, the British ships found it. HMS Panther and HMS Argo quickly caught up to the Spanish galleon.

The Fight Begins

A battle started between the ships. The British ships focused their cannons on the Trinidad's masts and ropes. Captain Parker was surprised. The shots from Panther did not do much damage to the galleon's strong wooden hull.

However, the Trinidad soon could not move. Its ropes and masts were destroyed. Even though it was badly damaged, the Trinidad fought bravely for two hours.

Overcrowded and Outgunned

The Spanish ship was very crowded. It had almost 800 people on board. This included crew members, soldiers, and even civilians. It also carried a lot of cargo. But it had less than half the cannons it needed to fight well.

Soon, the Spanish commander realized they could not win. He surrendered the ship. The battle cost the Spanish 18 lives and 10 wounded. About 750 people were captured. The British had 35 killed and 37 wounded.

After the Battle

The British captured the Santisima Trinidad. The valuable cargo on board was worth about $1.5 million. The ship itself was valued at $3 million. The galleon was later taken apart for its materials.

See also

In Spanish: Acción del 30 de octubre de 1762 para niños

• Great Britain in the Seven Years War