Battle of Cape Verde

The Battle of Cape Verde in 1723 was a pivotal naval engagement that occurred during a maritime convoy from Porto to Brazil. The convoy, consisting of merchant ships escorted by armed merchant vessels, encountered multiple confrontations with Barbary pirate ships along the way. This event sheds light on the challenges faced by maritime trade routes during the early 18th century and highlights the bravery and resilience of those involved in defending against piracy. However, Algerian privateers continued to operate off the coast, although perhaps with apparent less success, as news of attacks only emerged in the last months of the year.

Battle of Cape Verde (1723)
Date April 1723 Location Cape Verde Result Portuguese victory
Belligerents
Portugal	Algiers
Commanders and leaders
Captain José Pereira de Carvalho	Unknown
Strength
3 armed merchant vessels	5 pirate ships
Casualties and losses
3 killed, 15 wounded	Unknown

Background

Since the Second Anglo-Dutch War (1665-1667), distinctions between warships and merchant ships had become prominent. Warships were primarily designed for combat at sea, while merchant ships were utilized for maritime trade. However, structural similarities between the two types of vessels allowed for easy conversion between them, enabling flexibility in naval operations.|pages=96 |language=pt}}</ref> However, Algerian privateers continued to operate off the coast, although perhaps with apparent less success, as news of attacks only emerged in the last months of the year.

Convoy

In May 1723, a convoy of seven merchant ships departed from Porto, Portugal, bound for Brazil. These ships were escorted by three armed merchant vessels, including the Nossa Senhora dos Prazeres, under the command of Captain José Pereira de Carvalho. Equipped with cannons and soldiers, the escort ships were tasked with protecting the merchant vessels from pirate attacks.

Encounters with pirates

Shortly after departing from Porto, the convoy encountered three Barbary pirate ships. The armed escort vessels swiftly positioned themselves between the pirates and the merchant ships, deterring any potential attacks. Subsequent encounters near Cape Verde involved engagements with two pirate ships, during which the Nossa Senhora dos Prazeres played a crucial role in repelling the attackers.

Battle

The engagement with the Barbary pirates turned into a two-day artillery duel, as the Prazeres fiercely defended the convoy against the pirate ships. Despite attempts by the pirates to outmaneuver the Prazeres, the Portuguese vessel's relentless fire prevented them from approaching the merchant ships. After sustaining damage and casualties, the pirates eventually retreated from the battle.

Aftermath

Following the successful defense of the convoy, José Pereira de Carvalho was praised for his leadership and bravery. Despite sustaining damage to its rigging and casualties among its crew, the Nossa Senhora dos Prazeres emerged victorious from the battle. The event highlighted the ongoing threat of piracy in maritime trade routes and underscored the importance of naval escorts in protecting merchant vessels.

Legacy

The Battle of Cape Verde in 1723 serves as a testament to the challenges faced by maritime trade during the early 18th century. It exemplifies the courage and determination of those involved in defending against piracy and underscores the significance of naval escorts in safeguarding maritime commerce.|pages=96 |language=pt}}However, Algerian privateers continued to operate off the coast, although perhaps with apparent less success, as news of attacks only emerged in the last months of the year.