HMS Victoire was originally a French privateer schooner launched in 1793. She was a relatively small vessel, measuring approximately 73 tons. Armed with 14 guns, she was manned by a crew of around 74 men, reflecting her role as a privateer engaged in capturing merchant vessels and disrupting enemy trade. Her notable service began in late 1797, when she was captured by the British Royal Navy. On 28 December 1797, the British ship Termagant, while four leagues off Spurn Head, spotted Victoire and engaged in a four-hour chase that culminated in her capture. At the time, Victoire was active for about ten days, during which she had captured two colliers, and was in pursuit of a British merchantman when she was intercepted. Following her capture, the Royal Navy took her into service as HMS Victoire, converting her into a fireship—a vessel intended to be used in incendiary attacks during naval engagements. Between March and June 1798, HMS Victoire was stationed at Sheerness, where she underwent fitting as a temporary fireship. Her service in the Royal Navy included her commissioning in 1801 under Lieutenant James Tillard, who was assigned to her for operations in the North Sea. Her role would have been typical of fireships of the period, intended for use in fleet actions or coastal bombardments. By the end of 1801, the Navy decided to sell her. On 16 December 1801, she was offered for sale at Woolwich, where she was eventually sold for £240. After her sale, there are no further records of her service, and her period of active maritime involvement was relatively brief, serving primarily as a captured privateer and a naval fireship during the tumultuous 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.