HMS Requin was a notable cutter of the Royal Navy, originally built as a French vessel launched at Boulogne in 1794. Designed to plans by Daniel Denÿs dated 4 February 1793, she was unique in her class, initially serving as a cutter before being re-rigged as a brig in early 1795. Her construction and design reflected her intended role in fast, versatile operations. Requin’s service history began with her sailing from Brest on 14 July 1794 under enseigne de vaisseau Dominique Morel, as part of a squadron commanded by Jean L'Hermite. She participated in operations around the North Sea, where her squadron destroyed numerous British and Dutch fishing boats. During these maneuvers, a gale caused her to separate from the squadron, after which she engaged a British frigate. To escape, Morel jettisoned guns, anchors, and a spare mast, firing stern shots before ultimately surrendering to the frigate. Captured by HMS Thalia on 20 February 1795, Requin was sold as a prize for approximately £1500. She was then commissioned into the Royal Navy in July 1795 under Lieutenant William Champain for service on the Leeward Islands Station. Throughout her career, she saw action capturing small vessels, such as the French privateer sloop Mutine in 1798, and participated in the significant British capture of Suriname in 1799 under Vice-Admiral Lord Hugh Seymour. After delivering dispatches about the surrender, she returned to England. Requin underwent several command changes, with Lieutenant Frederick Thesiger taking command in December 1799, followed by Lieutenant Samuel Fowell. She sustained damage during a fierce gale in November 1800, losing her mainmast and requiring repairs at Portsmouth. Her service ended when she was wrecked on a sunken rock in Quiberon Bay on 1 January 1801. Despite efforts to save her, she filled with water, and her crew was evacuated by boats. The incident highlighted the perils faced by small vessels operating in treacherous waters during wartime, and Requin’s brief yet active career underscores her role in naval operations during the late 18th and early 19th centuries.

This description has been generated using GPT-4.1-NANO based on the Vessel's wikidata information and then modified by ShipIndex.org staff.