HMS Otter was originally the French merchant vessel Glanure, captured by the Royal Navy early in 1778. The capture was effected by the ships HMS Lizard and HMS Perseus, with Perseus engaging and Lizard capturing Glanure, which was sailing from Rochelle to Charleston with a cargo of dry goods and salt. The Royal Navy purchased her at Boston for £3,091 10s and commissioned her in December under Commander Richard Creyke, designating her as an armed ship or sloop. In terms of specifications, while exact measurements are not provided, she was classified as a sloop, a versatile vessel suitable for patrol, escort, and combat duties. Her service record during the American Revolutionary War was notable; Otter served in the American theater, participating in various operations under Commodore Sir George Collier. She contributed to the capture and destruction of several American towns and military positions around the Elizabeth River, Chesapeake Bay, and along the Connecticut shore. She also captured vessels such as the brig Margaritta and the polacre Nancy, and supported the blockade and attack on Penobscot Bay, where numerous American vessels were taken or destroyed. Otter's operational activities included capturing privateers, escorting troops, and sharing in prize money from other captures. She was actively involved in military expeditions, including the occupation of Wilmington, North Carolina, in January 1781. Creyke was promoted to post-captain in December 1782, but command was transferred to R. Murray in April 1782. The Navy sold Otter on 9 October 1783 for £735 12s 5d. After her naval service, she entered commercial trade, registered as Cyclops in Lloyd’s Register by 1787, and was identified as a French prize. From 1791 to 1795, she made three voyages as a slave ship, transporting captives from Africa to the Caribbean. Her voyages saw significant mortality rates among captives, and her third voyage ended when she was captured by a French privateer off Hispaniola in December 1795, carrying 470 captives. Her career reflects her maritime significance both as a naval vessel during wartime and later as part of the transatlantic slave trade until her capture.

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