HMS Hannibal was a 50-gun fourth-rate ship of the line constructed for the Royal Navy, launched on 26 December 1779. Built by Adams at Bucklers Hard, she represented a significant class of ships designed for fleet action and maritime dominance during the late 18th century. Her armament of 50 guns positioned her as a formidable vessel within her rating, capable of engaging in major naval battles. Throughout her service, HMS Hannibal participated in notable engagements and maritime patrols. In October 1781, she operated off the Cape of Good Hope, where she captured French transports Neker and Sévère, bringing them to Saint Helena. Her most prominent encounter occurred in January 1782, when she was pursued and ultimately captured by the French fleet under Admiral Suffren near Sumatra. During this encounter, Hannibal was chased by French ships including Héros and Artésien, and after a prolonged chase, she was forced to surrender on 22 January 1782. Following her capture, she was incorporated into the French Navy as Petit Annibal to distinguish her from the larger French 74-gun ship Annibal. In French service, Petit Annibal was commanded initially by Lieutenant de Ruyter and participated in the French efforts in the Indian Ocean, notably in battles against British forces under Admiral Sir Edward Hughes during 1782 and 1783. She fought in the Battle of Providien, where she was positioned third in the French line and engaged the British HMS Eagle at close range, with her captain, Morard de Galles, wounded but maintaining command. Her French service continued until she was decommissioned in 1787 and repurposed as a hulk from 1792. HMS Hannibal's career reflects the shifting naval alliances and conflicts of the late 18th century, marking her as a vessel of both British and French maritime history, and exemplifying the era's naval warfare tactics and ship design.

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