Battle of Punta Colares facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Battle of Punta Colares
Part of the Cisplatine War
Combate de Punta Colares, by José Murature, 1865
Date 9 February 1826 Location Río de la Plata, Argentina 34°34′00″S 58°00′00″W / 34.56667°S 58.00000°W / -34.56667; -58.00000 Result Inconclusive
Belligerents
Empire of Brazil	United Provinces
Commanders and leaders
Rodrigo Lobo	William Brown
Strength
Ships: 3 corvettes 5 brigs 2 brigantines 2 schooners 2 gunboats Total guns: ~155	Ships: 1 corvette 4 brigs 2 schooners 12 gunboats Total guns: ~126
Casualties and losses
8: 3 killed 5 wounded No ships lost	21: 6 killed 15 wounded No ships lost

The Battle of Punta Colares, sometimes called the Battle of Corales, was a big naval fight. It was the first major sea battle of the Cisplatine War. This battle happened on February 9, 1826. It lasted for about seven hours.

The fight was between the navy of the Empire of Brazil and the navy of the United Provinces of the Río de la Plata. Admiral Rodrigo José Ferreira Lobo led the Brazilian fleet. Admiral William Brown commanded the Argentine ships.

Why the Battle Happened

The Cisplatine War started on December 10, 1825. It was a conflict between Brazil and the United Provinces. Brazil quickly blocked the port of Buenos Aires. This blockade aimed to stop Argentina's trade and hurt its money.

Before this battle, there hadn't been any big naval fights. But on the morning of February 9, 1826, the Argentine ships left Buenos Aires. They wanted to try and break Brazil's blockade. This led to the first major clash at sea.

Ships in the Battle

This section lists the ships and their cannons for each side. This is called the "Order of Battle." It shows how many ships and guns each navy had.

Brazil's Fleet

The Brazilian navy had more ships and cannons in this battle.

Argentina's Fleet

The Argentine navy had fewer large ships but many small gunboats.

How the Battle Unfolded

On the morning of February 9, 1826, the Argentine ships were seen leaving Buenos Aires. Admiral Rodrigo Lobo, leading the Brazilians, ordered his ships to get ready. Around 10 o'clock, the battle began.

The Brazilian ships attacked first. Both groups of ships moved closer to each other. By 2:45 PM, the Brazilians saw even more Argentine ships joining the fight.

The Brazilian corvettes Liberal and Itaparica started firing. They aimed at the Argentine corvette 25 de Mayo and the Argentine brigs. Soon, the Argentine brigs and gunboats began to leave the fight. The 25 de Mayo was left alone, facing heavy fire, so it also retreated.

Around 5 o'clock, the Brazilian ships managed to get close to the Argentine squadron again. The corvette Liberal and the brig 29 de Agosto fired at the 25 de Mayo and the Congreso Nacional. They kept firing for about an hour and a half.

What Happened After

This battle was Admiral William Brown's first attempt to fight the Brazilian fleet. It didn't go well for the Argentine ships. However, the Brazilian admiral didn't chase them to attack more.

After the battle, that night, the Brazilian ships dropped anchor. They stayed between the Ortiz and Chico sandbanks.

Ortiz sandbank (in the center)

Later, on February 25, 1826, Admiral William Brown planned a new attack. This time, it was a combined attack on the city of Colonia del Sacramento. Brazilian forces controlled this city, and Argentine troops were already trying to capture it on land.

See also

In Spanish: Combate de Punta Colares para niños