The San Antonio was a 74-gun, two-decked ship of the line constructed for the Spanish Navy and launched in Cartagena in 1785. As a third-rate ship of the line, her design would have emphasized a balance of firepower and maneuverability, suitable for fleet battles of the late 18th century. She participated actively in notable naval engagements, including the Battle of Cape St Vincent in 1797 under Captain Salvador Medina, where she contributed to the Spanish fleet’s efforts during the ongoing conflicts of the era. In August 1800, the San Antonio was present at Ferrol during the failed British attempt to seize the town. Following the Third Treaty of San Ildefonso in October 1800, Spain agreed to supply France with six 74-gun ships, including the San Antonio, which was transferred to French control in May 1801. As the French ship Saint Antoine, she was commanded by Commodore Julien Le Ray. During the Second Battle of Algeciras in July 1801, she engaged in a fierce night action against HMS Superb. The battle was intense, with broadsides exchanged in darkness near Cape Spartel, North Africa. After approximately thirty minutes, Le Ray, wounded and unable to continue, surrendered the Saint Antoine. An incident involving tangled pennants led to confusion, causing other British ships to attack her repeatedly during the night as they believed she was still in French hands. Following her capture, the vessel was commissioned into the Royal Navy in 1801 as the San Antonio, under Captain Dundas, and sailed to Portsmouth. She was subsequently laid up for repairs and repurposed as a prison ship in October 1807. Later, from May to September 1814, she served as a powder magazine. After nearly four decades of service, the vessel was sold in 1828. Her career reflects her significance as a versatile warship and her role in the naval conflicts and maritime history of 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.