HMS Investigator was a survey brig constructed at Deptford Dockyard to a design by Henry Peake, serving the Royal Navy from her commissioning around 1811 until her decommissioning in 1835. She was primarily employed in surveying duties, notably in Irish waters and the North Sea, under the command of Mr. George Thomas, a pioneering naval hydrographic surveyor. Her initial station was Hosely Bay, after which she was reassigned to the River Thames, reflecting her versatility in naval operations. The vessel's design and construction suited her for surveying, and she underwent fitting for sea at Deptford in 1819. Investigator played a significant role in hydrographic surveys, contributing to the detailed mapping of Irish waters and the North Sea, with George Thomas at the helm for most of her active career. In 1825, she experienced a notable incident when gales in the North Sea stove in her bulwarks and washed away her boats. Despite fears that her tender, the cutter Star, had foundered with all hands, the crew was rescued by Amity, a tender masterfully salvaging the situation. Throughout her service, Investigator was recommissioned multiple times, including in 1825, 1831, and 1834, highlighting her importance in naval surveying efforts. After her decommissioning in 1835, she was repurposed as a police ship in March 1837, moored at Somerset House on the Thames. This new role involved maritime policing duties, and she remained in this capacity until she sprang a leak and sank on 19 April 1842. Fortunately, all seven police officers aboard were rescued. Investigator was eventually broken up at Deptford on 17 October 1857. Her long service life and her contributions to naval hydrography underscore her maritime significance during the early 19th century.

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