HMS Griper was a Courser-class gunvessel launched in 1797, designed for coastal and patrol duties during the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Displacing approximately 169 tons, the vessel was copper-bottomed, which enhanced her durability and performance at sea. She was commissioned shortly after her launch, with Lieutenant James Ryder taking command in May 1797, followed by Lieutenant Malcolm Cowan in May 1798, and later Lieutenant Edward Hodge in 1799. The vessel underwent coppering at Portsmouth in June 1798, a process that involved covering her hull with copper sheathing to prevent biofouling and improve speed. HMS Griper’s service history includes various patrols and expeditions. In August 1798, she arrived in Sunderland after losing her topmasts during a private expedition off the Texel; she reached port rigged with jury-masts and with a small complement of 19 soldiers, all reported to be well. In 1800, she was commanded by Lieutenant Mathew Graham, and by 1801, Lieutenant Henry Fyge Jauncey was in command during her deployment in the Baltic. Notably, on 14 April 1801, a tragic accident occurred when a boat from Griper was overturned in a gale off the Nore, resulting in the drowning of a midshipman and three seamen. Throughout her service, HMS Griper participated in patrols along the French coast and in the Baltic, reflecting her role in maritime reconnaissance and defense during the ongoing conflicts of the era. Her operational activities included cruising off the coast of France and supporting naval movements in the Baltic during 1801. By April 1802, with the end of her service period approaching, orders were given for her to be paid off, and she was subsequently offered for sale. The vessel was sold on 17 October 1802 at Sheerness, marking the end of her relatively brief but active career in the Royal Navy.

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