HMS Hindostan was a 56-gun fourth-rate ship of the line of the Royal Navy, originally launched as an East Indiaman in 1789. Built by William Barnard at Deptford, she measured approximately 1,790 tons and was designed for merchant service before her acquisition by the Admiralty in 1795, when she was refitted for naval use. Her dimensions and specific tonnage are not detailed in the provided source, but as a fourth-rate ship of the line, she would have been armed with a complement of 56 guns. Before her naval service, Hindostan made a notable voyage for the British East India Company from January 1790 to June 1791, under Captain William Mackintosh. During this voyage, she traveled from the Downs to Madeira, Madras, Penang, and Whampoa, returning via Cape Town and St Helena. She also carried Lord Macartney on a diplomatic mission to China from 1792 to 1794, a significant event in her history. During this voyage, she sailed in company with HMS Lion and the brig Jackall, visiting numerous ports including Madeira, Tenerife, Rio de Janeiro, Tristan de Cunha, Batavia, Cochin China, and Chusan, before reaching Whampoa. The Admiralty purchased Hindostan in 1795, and she was fitted for Royal Navy service at a cost of over £11,000. Her early naval service included participation in operations against San Domingo and convoy duties in the West Indies. She was involved in a collision with Santa Margarita in 1796 and later served as a guardship at Plymouth. In December 1796, she was commissioned as a storeship, a role she carried out in various theaters, including the Mediterranean. Her service culminated in her final voyage in 1804, when she was dispatched to carry supplies to Admiral Nelson at Gibraltar. While en route near Cape St. Sebastian, a fire broke out aboard Hindostan. Despite efforts to combat the blaze, she was eventually driven aground at Rosas Bay, where she was completely engulfed in flames. The crew and passengers were evacuated safely, with only three lives lost. Her wreck was later examined in a court martial, which praised Captain Le Gros for his conduct during the disaster. Hindostan's maritime significance lies in her dual role as a merchant vessel and naval ship, as well as her involvement in diplomatic, military, and logistical operations during her service life.

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