HMS Acheron was originally the mercantile vessel New Grove, launched at Whitby in 1799. She was a merchant ship engaged in the London–Jamaica trade, owned initially by T. Brown and T. Lacey, with J. Barclay serving as her master during her commercial service. In October 1803, the Admiralty purchased her, and she was subsequently fitted out as a bomb vessel at Woolwich Dockyard between October 28, 1803, and March 2, 1804. She was commissioned into Royal Navy service in December 1803 under Commander Arthur Farquhar, primarily serving in the Mediterranean. Constructed as a bomb vessel, Acheron’s role was to support blockades and coastal engagements. She participated in the British squadron blockading Toulon, contributing to the containment of the French fleet. Her service included capturing the Adamo on 23 November 1804 and sharing in the proceeds from other captures, such as Maria Magdalena and several other vessels in November and December 1804. Her most notable engagement occurred on 3 February 1805, near Cape Caxine off Algeria. Acheron, along with the frigate Arrow, was escorting a convoy of approximately 25–30 merchant vessels from Malta to England. They encountered two French frigates, Hortense and Incorruptible, which engaged the British vessels. During the fierce naval action, Arrow was quickly overwhelmed and sank after suffering heavy casualties, while Acheron fought on for about 15 more minutes before also surrendering due to severe damage—she lost several men and was so badly damaged that the French burned her. The French frigates captured three ships of the convoy but failed to seize the rest, which managed to escape. The sinking of Acheron marked a significant naval engagement, illustrating the dangers of convoy escort duty against superior French forces. Her loss, along with Arrow’s, was avenged by subsequent promotions and honors for her commanders. The vessel’s service underscores her role in the broader context of the Napoleonic Wars, exemplifying the risks faced by Royal Navy vessels operating in hostile waters and her contribution to Britain’s maritime dominance during this period.

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