Action of 30 May 1781

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Action of 30 May 1781
Part of the Fourth Anglo-Dutch War
The Battle of Cape St Mary, Joseph Marianus
Date 30 May 1781 Location Off Cabo de Santa Maria, Mediterranean Sea Result British victory
Belligerents
Great Britain	Dutch Republic
Commanders and leaders
Thomas Pakenham William Freeman	Gerardus Oorthuys Pieter Melvill (POW)
Strength
2 frigates	2 frigates
Casualties and losses
27 killed 65 wounded	42 killed 84 wounded 240 captured 1 frigate captured

The action of 30 May 1781, also known as the Battle of Cape St Mary (Dutch: Zeegevecht bij Kaap Sint-Marie) was a naval battle fought between two Royal Navy frigates and two Dutch States Navy frigates off the Cabo de Santa Maria. In a battle lasting more than two hours, Captain William Peere Williams-Freeman of the 36-gun Flora, compelled Captain Pieter Melvill van Carnbee's 36-gun Castor to strike his colours. Shortly after, Captain Gerardus Oorthuys of the 36-gun Den Briel compelled Thomas Pakenham to strike the 28-gun Crescent. However, Flora came to Crescent's rescue before Oorthuys could board her, and forced him to retreat.