Mashouda facts for kids

The Mashouda or Meshuda was a very important warship for Algeria. It was the main ship, called the flagship, for their admiral, Raïs Hamidou. This happened during a time known as the Second Barbary War.

The Mashouda: A Famous Warship

The Mashouda was a powerful frigate, a type of warship with many cannons. It was the pride of the Algerian fleet. Its job was to protect Algerian trade and interests at sea.

Captured in Battle

In June 1815, during the Second Barbary War, the Mashouda faced the American fleet. The American commander, Stephen Decatur, led his ships against the Algerians. On June 17, 1815, at the Battle off Cape Gata, the American forces managed to capture the Mashouda. This was a big victory for the Americans. It gave them a strong position to talk with the Dey of Algiers, who was the ruler of Algeria at the time.

The Mashouda surrounded by the American fleet in 1815.

After being captured, the Mashouda was taken to Carthagena in Spain. It was considered a "prize" of war, meaning it was taken by the winning side. Another Algerian frigate, the Mezoura, was also captured and taken to Carthagena around the same time.

Commodore Decatur's Squadron capturing the Algerian pirate ship Mashuda, on 17 June 1815.

What Happened Next?

The Spanish government held onto the Mashouda for a while. After the war ended, they returned the ship to Algiers. However, the peace did not last long. On July 18, 1815, Algeria declared war on Spain. Because of this new conflict, the Spanish government quickly took back the Mashouda. They also seized another ship, the brig Estedio, which had also been captured by Decatur and was in Cartagena.

See also

• List of ships captured in the 19th century