HMS Curieux (1804)

HMS Curieux was a French corvette launched in September 1800 at Saint-Malo to a design by François Pestel, and carrying sixteen 6-pounder guns. She was commissioned under Capitaine de frégate Joseph-Marie-Emmanuel Cordier. The British captured her in 1804 in a cutting-out action at Martinique. In her five-year British career Curieux captured several French privateers and engaged in two notable single-ship actions, also against privateers. In the first she captured Dame Ernouf; in the second, she took heavy casualties in an indecisive action with Revanche. In 1809 Curieux hit a rock; all her crew were saved but they had to set fire to her to prevent her recapture.

For other ships with the same name, see HMS Curieux.

A painting by Francis Sartorius Jr. depicting HMS Curieux capturing Dame Ernouf on 8 February 1805
History
France
NameCurieux
BuilderEnterprise Ethéart, Saint Malo (Constructeur:François-Timothée Pestel)
Laid downOctober 1799
Launched20 September 1800
Captured4 February 1804
United Kingdom
NameHMS Curieux
Acquired4 February 1804
FateWrecked, 22 September 1809
General characteristics
TypeCorvette
Displacement290 tons (French)
Tons burthen3295⁄94 (bm)
Length
  • 97 ft 0 in (29.57 m) (overall)
  • 77 ft 3 in (23.55 m) (keel)
Beam28 ft 6 in (8.69 m)
Depth of hold13 ft 0 in (3.96 m)
Complement
  • French service: 94
  • British service: 67
Armament
  • French service: 16 x 6-pounder guns
  • British service: 8 x 6-pounder guns + 10 x 24-pounder carronades
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