HMS Ethalion (1797)

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Career (United Kingdom)

Name:	HMS Ethalion
Builder:	Graham, Harwich
Launched:	14 March 1797
Fate:	Wrecked on 25 December 1799
General characteristics as built
Class and type:	38-gun fifth rate frigate
Tons burthen:	992 long tons (1,007.9 t)
Length:	146 ft (44.5 m) (gundeck)
Beam:	36 ft (11.0 m)
Propulsion:	Sails
Sail plan:	Full rigged ship
Armament:	38 guns

For other ships of the same name, see HMS Ethalion.

HMS Ethalion was a 38-gun fifth rate frigate of the Royal Navy. She had a brief career, serving during the Napoleonic Wars.

Ethalion was built by Graham, of Harwich and was launched on 14 March 1797.^[1] She entered service in 1797, operating in the English Channel as part of the Channel Fleet. Soon after commissioning under Captain George Countess, Ethalion was engaged in chasing a French squadron under Jean-Baptiste-François Bompart intent on invading Ireland during the Rebellion of 1798. Countess kept the French fleet in sight for several days and was able to signal for assistance. This brought a significant force under John Borlase Warren to the region and the French were defeated at the Battle of Tory Island.

In 1799 Ethalion was operating off Vera Cruz against Spanish shipping and captured the frigate Thetis carrying over 1.5 million Spanish dollars with four other frigates. In December of the same year, Ethalion was engaged in the blockade of the French Atlantic Coast when on 25 December she was wrecked on a reef off the Penmarks. Attempts were made to save the stricken ship, but eventually the crew were removed as the damage was too severe. The remains were then set on fire. Her officers were court martialled for the loss, but were honourably acquitted.