HDMS Sarpen was a Lougen-class brig of the Royal Dano-Norwegian Navy, designed by naval architect Ernst Wilhelm Stibolt. Launched in 1791, she served in various significant naval actions until her capture by the British in 1807. The vessel measured as a brig, a type of two-masted, square-rigged warship, typical of the late 18th-century design, though specific dimensions are not provided in the source. During her Danish service, Sarpen participated notably in the action at Tripoli in May 1797, under Captain Charles Christian De Holck. Alongside the frigate Najaden, she engaged Tripolitan forces in a two-hour battle, which ended indecisively but resulted in the Tripolitans signing a peace treaty with Denmark shortly afterward. The crew, including De Holck and others, were quarantined in Malta post-battle, where De Holck established a commemorative tablet acknowledging their treatment. In 1801, Sarpen was under Captain Lieutenant Carl Farbriuis de Tengnagel during the Battle of Copenhagen, serving as an observer rather than engaging directly in combat. She was stationed off The Skaw as part of the Danish fleet’s inner division. Following Denmark’s capitulation in 1807, the British seized Sarpen, arriving at Chatham in November of that year. She was refitted from November 1807 to August 1808, initially intended to be renamed Voltiguer—a change that was ultimately canceled. She then entered British service as HMS Sarpen. Under Commander James Gifford from May 1808, she was deployed in the North Sea and Baltic, later serving under Commander John Sanderson Gibson during the Walcheren Expedition in 1809. Her activities included reconnaissance on French fleet movements at Terneuzen and capturing a boat with prisoners at Antwerp. Sarpen was paid off in December 1809 and laid up at Sheerness, where she was broken up in August 1811. Her service history highlights her as a versatile vessel involved in significant naval operations during the late 18th and early 19th centuries, transitioning from Danish to British hands, and participating in key engagements of the 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.