List of shipwrecks in 1781

The List of shipwrecks in 1781 includes some ships sunk, wrecked or otherwise lost during 1781.


table of contents
← 178017811782 →
JanFebMarApr
MayJunJulAug
SepOctNovDec
Unknown date
References

January

8 January

List of shipwrecks: 8 January 1781
ShipStateDescription
Douglass  Great BritainThe ship was driven ashore in Stokes Bay.[1]

11 January

List of shipwrecks: 11 January 1781
ShipStateDescription
Neptune  Great BritainThe transport ship was run down and sunk by Sykes (  Great Britain) with the loss of more than twenty lives. She was on a voyage from The Downs to Portsmouth, Hampshire.[2]

22 January

List of shipwrecks: 22 January 1781
ShipStateDescription
Supply  Great BritainThe ship was wrecked in Start Bay with the loss of all hands. She was on a voyage from Liverpool, Lancashire to London.[3]

23 January

List of shipwrecks: 23 January 1781
ShipStateDescription
Childers  Great BritainThe privateer was driven ashore at Paignton, Devon.[4]
HMS Culloden Royal NavyAmerican Revolutionary War: The third rate ship of the line ran aground 50 yards (46 m) off Will′s Point at Montauk, New York, United States, during a gale and snowstorm. After attempts to refloat her failed, she was stripped and in March 1781 she was set on fire to prevent capture. She burned to the waterline, and the remains of her wreck settled in 20 feet (6.1 m) of water. When her wreck was rediscovered in the 1970s, Will's Point was renamed Culloden Point.[5]
Mary  FranceThe ship, a cartel, was driven ashore and damaged at Paignton. She was later refloated.[4]

28 January

List of shipwrecks: 28 January 1781
ShipStateDescription
Favourite  Great BritainThe privateer was driven ashore at Lymington, Hampshire.[6] She was refloated on 8 February.[7]
Nossa Senhora do Pilar e São João Baptista  PortugalThe ship was wrecked at Ceulagh, County Cork, Ireland. She was on a voyage from Lisbon to Dublin, Ireland.[8]

30 January

List of shipwrecks: 30 January 1781
ShipStateDescription
Theresa  Dutch RepublicThe brigantine was driven ashore and wrecked at West Bexington, Dorset, Great Britain.[9]

Unknown date

List of shipwrecks: Unknown date 1781
ShipStateDescription
Johanna Charlotta  Dutch RepublicThe ship was lost whilst on a voyage from Ostend to Genoa and Livorno, Grand Duchy of Tuscany.[10]
John  IrelandThe ship was driven ashore and wrecked at Beachy Head, Sussex, Great Britain.[11]
L'Immaculée Conception  SpainThe ship was lost at Ayamonte with the loss of five of six of her crew. She was on a voyage from St. Andero to Cádiz.[4]
Lucente Aurora Republic of VeniceThe ship was wrecked on the Woolpack, in the North Sea. She was on a voyage from Venice and Trieste to London, Great Britain.[12]
Madonna Del Lauro & St. Anime Del Purgatorio Papal StatesThe ship was lost at "Sassaie", Sardinia. She was on a voyage from Exeter, Devon, Great Britain to Civita Vechia.[13]
Newtown  Great BritainThe ship was lost near Liverpool, Lancashire. She was on a voyage from Tingmouth, Devon to Liverpool.[14]
Pink  Great BritainThe ship was wrecked on the Abrolho Bank. Her crew were rescued. She was on a voyage from New York, United States to Jamaica.[15]
Racehorse  Great BritainThe schooner was driven ashore and wrecked at Beachy Head.[11]
Southampton  Great BritainThe ship was driven ashore and wrecked at Beachy Head.[11]
Spitfire  Great BritainThe privateer foundered in the English Channel off Start Point, Devon.[11]
HMS Syren Royal NavyThe Porcupine-class post ship was driven ashore and wrecked at Beachy Head.[11]

February

2 February

List of shipwrecks: 2 February 1781
ShipStateDescription
Samuel  Great BritainThe ship sank and capsized in the River Thames. She was on a voyage from London to Jamaica.[6]

7 February

List of shipwrecks: 7 February 1781
ShipStateDescription
Maria Margaretha  DenmarkThe ship was crushed by ice off Elsinore.[16] She later came ashore near Halmstad, Sweden. Maria Margaretha was on a voyage from Copenhagen to Saint Thomas, Virgin Islands.[17]
Princess Louisa  DenmarkThe ship was driven ashore on the Swedish coast. She was on a voyage from Copenhagen to Saint Croix. Princess Louisa was later refloated and taken in to Copenhagen for repairs.[16]
São Boaventura  PortugalThe ship was wrecked on "Masamaede Island", off Madagascar. She was on a voyage from Lisbon to the Malabar Coast.[18]

11 February

List of shipwrecks: 11 February 1781
ShipStateDescription
Echo  Great BritainThe brig was driven ashore and wrecked in Deadman's Bay. Her crew were rescued.[19]
Nimble  Great BritainThe cutter was wrecked in Mount's Bay with the loss of 28 of her 59 crew.[20]
Thames  Great BritainThe victualling ship was driven ashore and wrecked at Plymouth Hoe, Devon. Her crew were rescued.[19]

12 February

List of shipwrecks: 12 February 1781
ShipStateDescription
Esther  Great BritainThe stores ship was in collision with HM hired armed ship Raike ( Royal Navy) and foundered in The Downs with the loss of two or three of her crew.[19]

13 February

List of shipwrecks: 13 February 1781
ShipStateDescription
Amsterdam  SwedenThe brigantine was driven ashore and wrecked at West Bexington, Dorset, Great Britain with the loss of five of her crew and a passenger. She was on a voyage from Naples, Kingdom of Sicily to London, Great Britain.[9][20]

16 February

List of shipwrecks: 16 February 1781
ShipStateDescription
General Barker British East India CompanyThe East Indiaman was lost off Scheveningen, on the Dutch coast.[21] Her crew were rescued. She was on a voyage from the East Indies to London.[22]

22 February

List of shipwrecks: 22 February 1781
ShipStateDescription
Fame  United StatesThe privateer foundered in the Atlantic Ocean off Peck's Beach, New Jersey.[23]

26 February

List of shipwrecks: 26 February 1781
ShipStateDescription
Duke William  Great BritainThe transport ship was wrecked on Barbuda.[24]

Unknown date

List of shipwrecks: Unknown date 1781
ShipStateDescription
Ann  Great BritainThe ship was driven ashore near Rye, Sussex. She was on a voyage from Londonderry, Ireland to London.[8]
Blandford  Great BritainThe ship was lost at Newry, County Antrim, Ireland.[25]
Carpenter  Great BritainThe ship foundered in the Swin. Her crew were rescued. She was on a voyage from Liverpool, Lancashire to London.[8]
Dutchess  Great BritainThe privateer was in collision with Houghton (  Great Britain) and foundered in The Downs with some loss of life.[19]
Experiment  Great BritainThe privateer was in collision with another vessel in The Downs and foundered. Her crew were rescued.[19]
Fernought  Great BritainThe privateer struck a rock and foundered in the Firth of Forth. Her crew were rescued[26]
Free Trade  Great BritainThe privateer was driven ashore and wrecked at Newry.[3]
Henry & Maria  FranceAnglo-French War (1778–83): The ship, a prize, was driven ashore near Wexford, Ireland.[27]
Hope  Great BritainThe ship was driven ashore on the coast of France. She was on a voyage from Tobago to London.[26]
L'Aimea  FranceAnglo-French War (1778-1783): The ship, a prize, was lost on the French coast. She was on a voyage from Penzance, Cornwall, Great Britain to Jersey, Channel Islands.[3]
Mary Ann  Great BritainThe ship was lost near Bristol, Gloucestershire. She was on a voyage from Plymouth, Devon to Bristol.[25]
London  Great BritainThe ship was lost with all hands. She was on a voyage from Liverpool, Lancashire to London.[3]
New Judith  IrelandThe ship was wrecked near Wexford. Her crew were rescued. She was on a voyage from Newry to Cork and the West Indies.[3]
New Newry Paquet  IrelandThe ship was driven ashore at Newry. She was on a voyage from Newry to London.[26]
Prince of Wales  Great BritainThe ship was driven ashore and wrecked at Pegwell Bay, Kent. She was on a voyage from London to Dublin, Ireland.[19]
Rodney  Great BritainThe ship was driven ashore at Southampton, Hampshire.[28]
St. Antonio de Lisboa  PortugalThe ship was lost near Castle Town, Isle of Man. She was on a voyage from Lisbon to Dublin.[27]
Thetis  Great BritainThe ship was driven ashore and wrecked near Cromer, Norfolk. She was on a voyage from Aberdeen to London.[16]
William & Ann  IrelandThe ship was wrecked near Beerhaven, County Cork. She was on a voyage from Greenock, Renfrewshire, Great Britain to Cork.[7]
Zee Fortune  Dutch RepublicFourth Anglo-Dutch War The ship, a prize, was lost off Wexford with the loss of all hands.[27]

March

30 March

List of shipwrecks: 30 March 1781
ShipStateDescription
Black Prince  FranceThe ship, a prize of HMS Cruizer and HMS Lively (both Royal Navy), was driven ashore and wrecked at Falmouth, Cornwall, Great Britain. Her crew were rescued.[29]
Dutchess de Chartres French East India CompanyThe East Indiaman, a prize of the privateer Phœnix (  Great Britain) was driven ashore and wrecked at Falmouth with the loss of a crew member.[29]

Unknown date

List of shipwrecks: Unknown date 1781
ShipStateDescription
Charlotte  Great BritainThe ship was wrecked on the coast of France. She was on a voyage from London to Naples and Messina, Kingdom of Sicily.[30]
Fame  Great BritainThe ship foundered in the English Channel off Dover, Kent. She was on a voyage from London to Dublin, Ireland.[31]
Hope  Great BritainThe ship was driven ashore and wrecked on the coast of Cornwall. She was on a voyage from London to Belfast, Ireland.[32]
Immaenlata Concezioneflag unknownThe ship was wrecked on the coast of Portugal. She was on a voyage from Falmouth, Cornwall, Great Britain to a Mediterranean port.[33]
"La Guepe"  French NavyAmerican Revolutionary War:The 14 gun cutter ran aground on mud flats and was wrecked near Cape Charles while pursuing a British privateer. Her crew was rescued.[34][35]
L'Amiene del Purgatorioflag unknownThe ship was wrecked on the coast of Portugal. She was on a voyage from St. Ives, Cornwall to a Mediterranean port.[33]
Le Lenier  FranceThe ship was lost in the Ratt, off Brest. She was on a voyage from Bourdeaux to the West Indies.[36]
Minte au Ciel  FranceThe ship was lost in the Ratt. She was on a voyage from Bourdeaux to the West Indies.[36]
Penelope  Great BritainThe ship was driven ashore and wrecked at Ramsgate, Kent. She was on a voyage from London to Halifax, Nova Scotia, British America.[37]
Success  Great BritainThe ship was driven ashore near Chichester, Sussex. She was on a voyage from Dublin, Ireland to London.[32]

April

10 April

List of shipwrecks: 10 April 1781
ShipStateDescription
Ann  Great BritainThe sloop was driven ashore on Sanday, Orkney Islands. She was on a voyage from Bergen, Norway to Kirkwall, Orkney Islands.[24]

11 April

List of shipwrecks: 11 April 1781
ShipStateDescription
Nossa Senhora do Carmo a Dolphin  PortugalThe ship capsized at Tenby, Pembrokeshire, Great Britain. She had been on a voyage from Lisbon to Amsterdam, Dutch Republic but had put into Tenby.[38]

13 April

List of shipwrecks: 13 April 1781
ShipStateDescription
Johanna  SwedenThe ship was wrecked on Anholt, Denmark. Her crew survived. She was on a voyage from Bourdeaux, France to Stockholm.[39]

14 April

List of shipwrecks: 14 April 1781
ShipStateDescription
Hawke  Great BritainThe ship struck rocks at Bermuda and was wrecked. Her crew were rescued. She was on a voyage from Glasgow, Renfrewshire to Bermuda.[40]

21 April

List of shipwrecks: 21 April 1781
ShipStateDescription
Bee  Great BritainAnglo-French War (1778–83): The ship was driven ashore at Aldeburgh, Suffolk by two French privateers and was captured. She was taken to a French port. Bee had been on a voyage from Milford Haven, Pembrokeshire to Great Yarmouth, Norfolk.[41]

28 April

List of shipwrecks: 28 April 1781
ShipStateDescription
Hopkins  Great BritainThe stores ship capsized at Gosport, Hampshire. She was on a voyage from London to Portsmouth, Hampshire.[42]

Unknown date

List of shipwrecks: Unknown date 1781
ShipStateDescription
Betsey  Great BritainThe ship was wrecked on São Miguel Island, Azores. She was on a voyage from New York to the Western Islands.[39]
Count Schimmerman Danish Asiatic CompanyThe East Indiaman foundered in the North Sea off the Isle of May, Scotland. Her crew were rescued. She was bound to India.[43]
Draper  Great BritainThe ship foundered in the English Channel off Dungeness, Kent. She was on a voyage from London to Newry, County Antrim, Ireland.[29]
Endeavour  Great BritainThe ship was lost in the Isles of Scilly. She was on a voyage from Liverpool, Lancashire to Portsmouth, Hampshire.[38]
John & Mary  Great BritainThe ship was lost near Lübeck.[44]
La Couronne  French NavyThe Saint-Esprit-class ship of the line was destroyed by fire at Brest.
Lady Betty  Great BritainThe ship foundered in the Atlantic Ocean off Madeira. Her crew were rescued. She was on a voyage from Newfoundland, British America to Madeira.[45]
Mary  Great BritainThe ship was driven ashore in the Saltee Islands, County Wexford, Ireland. She was on a voyage from Saint Kitts to London or Liverpool.[46]
Zeebergh  Dutch RepublicThe ship was captured by a French privateer but was subsequently wrecked on the French coast. She was on a voyage from Liverpool to Ostend.[41]

May

2 May

List of shipwrecks: 2 May 1781
ShipStateDescription
Enterprize  Great BritainAnglo-French War (1778–83): The ship was captured by the privateer Victory (  France). she was stripped of her guns and sunk. Enterprize was on a voyage from Swansey, Glamorgan to Portsmouth, Hampshire.[47]

7 May

List of shipwrecks: 7 May 1781
ShipStateDescription
Duke of Athol  Great BritainThe ship was driven ashore in Riga Bay.[48]
Jenny and Peggy  Great BritainThe ship was driven ashore and wrecked in Riga Bay.[48]
Nelly  Great BritainThe ship was driven ashore in Riga Bay.[48]

17 May

List of shipwrecks: 17 May 1781
ShipStateDescription
Olive Branch  Great BritainThe privateer was wrecked on the coast of Ireland.[49]

28 May

List of shipwrecks: 28 May 1781
ShipStateDescription
Rose in June  Great BritainThe ship struck rocks off Land's End, Cornwall and foundered with the loss of all but one of her crew. She was on a voyage from Falmouth, Cornwall to Swansea, Glamorgan.[48]

Unknown date

List of shipwrecks: Unknown date 1781
ShipStateDescription
America  Great BritainThe ship sank near Topsham, Devon. She was on a voyage from Exon, Devon to Ostend, Dutch Republic.[50]
Espírito Santa Rainha de Aug  PortugalThe ship was driven ashore near Aberystwyth, Cardiganshire, Great Britain.[51]
George  Great BritainThe ship capsized at Fyall, Azores. Her crew were rescued. She was on a voyage from Bristol, Gloucestershire to Fyall and Quebec, British America.[52]
Industry  Great BritainThe ship was lost off the coast of Scotland. She was on a voyage from Liverpool, Lancashire to Riga, Russia.[51]

June

7 June

List of shipwrecks: 7 June 1781
ShipStateDescription
HM hired armed ship Molly Royal NavyThe hired armed ship caught fire, exploded, and sank off Point Lynas, Anglesey. There were about 40 survivors.[53]

10 June

List of shipwrecks: 10 June 1781
ShipStateDescription
Ann  Great BritainThe ship was wrecked on the Fischer Rocks, 10 leagues (30 nautical miles (56 km)) west of "Wyburgh". She was on a voyage from "Wyburgh" to Liverpool, Lancashire.[54]
HMS Greyhound Royal NavyThe Mermaid-class frigate ran aground at the South Foreland, Kent and was wrecked.[55]

Unknown date

List of shipwrecks: Unknown date 1781
ShipStateDescription
HMS General Arnold Royal NavyAmerican Revolution: The Row galley ran aground in the Chowan River at Edenton, North Carolina. She was then captured by local Militia troops.[56]
Nancy  Great BritainAnglo-French War (1778–83): The ship was captured off Milford, Pembrokeshire by the privateer Franklin (  France) and was sunk by her. Her crew were taken on board the privateer. Nancy was on a voyage from Tinmouth, Devon to Liverpool, Lancashire.[57]

July

3 July

List of shipwrecks: 3 July 1781
ShipStateDescription
Brilliant  Great BritainThe ship struck a rock off the Mew Stone and was wrecked. She was on a voyage from Wales to Topsham, Devon.[58]

21 July

List of shipwrecks: 21 July 1781
ShipStateDescription
Honkoop Dutch East India CompanyFourth Anglo-Dutch War, Battle of Saldanha Bay: The East Indiaman was captured by the Royal Navy. Hencoop was on a voyage from China to Amsterdam.[59] She foundered in January 1782 on her voyage to England.[60]
Middelburg Dutch East India CompanyBattle of Saldanha Bay. The East Indiaman was burnt by the Dutch of avoid capture. She was on a voyage from China to Amsterdam.[59]

23 July

List of shipwrecks: 23 July 1781
ShipStateDescription
"Dasher"  Virginia Virginia State NavyThe galley was wrecked in a gale in Lynnhaven Bay. Crew were captured after reaching shore.[61][62]

Unknown date

List of shipwrecks: Unknown date 1781
ShipStateDescription
Good Hope  DenmarkThe ship was lost near Harwich, Essex, Great Britain. She was on a voyage from Copenhagen to Lisbon, Portugal.[54][63]
Serapis  FranceThe privateer caught fire, exploded and sank off the coast of Madagascar with the loss of eight of the 223 people on board.

August

1 August

List of shipwrecks: 1 August 1781
ShipStateDescription
Hope  Great BritainThe ship was lost in the Black River, Jamaica. She was on a voyage from Jamaica to London.[64]

2 August

List of shipwrecks: 2 August 1781
ShipStateDescription
Ann  Great BritainThe ship was driven ashore and wrecked at Jamaica.[65]
Arundal  Great BritainThe ship was driven ashore at Jamaica.[66]
Carnatic  Great BritainThe ship was driven ashore and wrecked at Jamaica.[65][66]
Chambers  Great BritainThe ship was driven ashore at Jamaica.[66]
Charming Nancy  Great BritainThe ship was wrecked at Jamaica.[65]
Clarendon  Great BritainThe ship was driven ashore and wrecked at Jamaica.[65][66]
Dispatch  Great BritainThe ship was driven ashore at Jamaica.[66]
Endeavour  Great BritainThe ship was wrecked at Jamaica. She was on a voyage from Jamaica to Charles Town, South Carolina, United States.[64]
Fame  Great BritainThe ship was driven ashore and wrecked at Jamaica.[65][66]
Friendship  Great BritainThe ship was driven ashore and wrecked at Jamaica.[65][66]
George and John  Great BritainThe ship was driven ashore and wrecked at Jamaica.[65][66]
Golden Rule  Great BritainThe ship (a.k.a. Equity) was driven ashore at Jamaica.[65][66]
Green-island  Great BritainThe ship was driven ashore at Jamaica.[66]
Henry  Great BritainThe ship was driven ashore at Jamaica.[66]
Hercules  Great BritainThe ship was lost in Annatta Bay, Jamaica.[64]
Jamaica  Great BritainThe ship was driven ashore at Jamaica.[66]
John  Great BritainThe ship was driven ashore and wrecked at Jamaica.[65][66]
Kingston  Great BritainThe ship was driven ashore and wrecked at Jamaica.[65][66]
Kitty  Great BritainThe ship was driven ashore and wrecked at Jamaica. She was on a voyage from Jamaica to London.[67]
Lark  Great BritainThe ship was driven ashore at Jamaica.[66]
London  Great BritainThe ship was driven ashore at Jamaica.[66]
Mary  Great BritainThe ship was driven ashore at Jamaica.[66]
Mentor  Great BritainThe ship was driven ashore at Jamaica.[66]
Montague  Great BritainThe ship was driven ashore and wrecked at Jamaica.[65][66]
Nancy  Great BritainThe ship was driven ashore and damaged at Jamaica. She was subsequently repaired and returned to service.[68]
Nanny  Great BritainThe ship was driven ashore at Jamaica.[66]
Orange Bay  Great BritainThe ship was driven ashore at Jamaica.[66]
HMS Pelican Royal NavyThe Porcupine-class post ship was driven ashore and wrecked on the Morant Keys, off Jamaica.[69][70]
Ransom  Great BritainThe ship was driven ashore at Jamaica.[66]
Thetis  Great BritainThe ship was driven ashore at Jamaica.[66]
True Britton  Great BritainThe ship was driven ashore at Jamaica.[66]

5 August

List of shipwrecks: 5 August 1781
ShipStateDescription
Hollandia  Dutch Republic NavyFourth Anglo-Dutch War, Battle of Dogger Bank: The third rate ship of the line foundered following the battle.
Vénus  French NavyThe frigate was wrecked off the Glénan Islands, Finistère. Her crew were rescued.

15 August

List of shipwrecks: 15 August 1781
ShipStateDescription
Roberts  Great BritainThe sloop sprang a leak in the English Channel. Her crew were rescued. She came ashore in Scatshall Bay and was wrecked. Roberts was on a voyage from Exeter, Devon to Bucklers Hard, Hampshire.[55]

17 August

List of shipwrecks: 17 August 1781
ShipStateDescription
James and John  Great BritainThe ship was wrecked on Öland, Sweden. She was on a voyage from London to Saint Petersburg, Russia.[71]

21 August

List of shipwrecks: 21 August 1781
ShipStateDescription
St. Joaquim e Santa Anna  PortugalThe ship foundered in the North Sea off Rottam Island, Dutch Republic with the loss of fourteen of her seventeen crew. She was on a voyage from Oporto to Hamburg.[72]

24 August

List of shipwrecks: 24 August 1781
ShipStateDescription
Hope  Great BritainThe ship was lost at Penzance, Cornwall. She was on a voyage from London to Belfast, County Antrim, Ireland.[73]

Unknown date

List of shipwrecks: Unknown date 1781
ShipStateDescription
Friends  IrelandThe ship was driven ashore in Dublin Bay. She was on a voyage from Bourdeaux, France to Dublin.[55]
Holland's Melvaart  Dutch RepublicFourth Anglo-Dutch War: The ship was driven ashore at the mouth of the Kenmare River by Cicero (  Great Britain) and another vessel. She was burnt by her captors.[74]
Jane  Great BritainAnglo-French War (1778–83): The ship was captured and burnt by the privateer La Victoire (  France). She was on a voyage from Swansey, Glamorgan to Youghall, County Cork, Ireland.[75]

September

4 September

List of shipwrecks: 4 September 1781
ShipStateDescription
Valiant  United StatesAmerican Revolutionary War: The ship, a prize of Enterprize (  Great Britain), was recaptured and set afire by two American privateers off Waterford, Ireland.[76]

5 September

List of shipwrecks: 5 September 1781
ShipStateDescription
HMS Terrible Royal NavyAmerican Revolutionary War, Battle of the Chesapeake: The Ramillies-class ship of the line was set afire and scuttled following damage sustained in battle.
Vrow Margaretta Duchy of HolsteinThe ship was driven ashore and wrecked at Whitby, Yorkshire, Great Britain.[77]

9 September

List of shipwrecks: 9 September 1781
ShipStateDescription
Rodney  Great BritainThe ship was driven ashore at Wexford, Ireland by three privateers. She was on a voyage from Lancaster, Lancashire to Ireland and the Leeward Islands.[78]

17 September

List of shipwrecks: 17 September 1781
ShipStateDescription
Venus  Great BritainThe ship departed from Newfoundland, British America for Lisbon, Portugal. No further trace, presumed foundered in the Atlantic Ocean with the loss of all hands.[79]

22 September

List of shipwrecks: 22 September 1781
ShipStateDescription
HMS Duchess of Cumberland Royal NavyThe sloop was wrecked at Cape St. Mary in heavy fog.[80]

27 September

List of shipwrecks: 27 September 1781
ShipStateDescription
Demoiselle Regina HamburgThe ship was wrecked on the coast of Flanders, Dutch Republic. She was on a voyage from Portsmouth, Hampshire, Great Britain to Hamburg[81]
Freeden  SwedenThe ship was wrecked at Skagen, Denmark. She was on a voyage from Sweden to London, Great Britain.[82]

28 September

List of shipwrecks: 28 September 1781
ShipStateDescription
Lübeck LübeckThe ship was wrecked on the coast of Flanders, Dutch Republic. She was on a voyage from Portsmouth, Hampshire, Great Britain to Hamburg.[83]
Maria Cornelia  Dutch RepublicThe ship was driven ashore at Ostend. She was on a voyage from Ostend to Saint Thomas, Virgin Islands.[84]

29 September

List of shipwrecks: 29 September 1781
ShipStateDescription
Friendship  Great BritainThe ship was wrecked on the Falsterbo Reef, in the Baltic Sea. She was on a voyage from Scarborough, Yorkshire to Memel, Prussia.[83]

Unknown date

List of shipwrecks: Unknown date 1781
ShipStateDescription
Admiraal Generaal  Dutch Republic NavyThe third rate ship of the line was driven ashore on Texel.[85]
Betsey  Great BritainAmerican Revolutionary War: The ship was sunk in the York River, Virginia, United States,[86]
Elizabeth  IrelandThe ship foundered in the Baltic Sea off Møn, Denmark with the loss of all but one of her crew. She was on a voyage from Londonderry to Dantzick.[59]
Hinchinbrook  Great BritainThe ship departed from Saint Petersburg for Hull. No further trace, presumed foundered with the loss of all hands.[87]
Nossa Senhora do Carmo St. Domingo  PortugalThe ship was driven ashore and wrecked 8 nautical miles (15 km) north of Copenhagen, Denmark. She was on a voyage from Saint Petersburg, Russia to Lisbon.[88]
Sarah  Great BritainThe ship was driven ashore and wrecked near Dragør, Denmark. She was on a voyage from Saint Petersburg to South Shields, County Durham.[83]
York  Great BritainThe ship was wrecked on the Haisborough Sands, in the North Sea off the coast of Norfolk. She was on a voyage from Saint Petersburg to London.[71]

October

10 October

List of shipwrecks: 10 October 1781
ShipStateDescription
HMS Charon Royal NavyAmerican Revolutionary War, Siege of Yorktown: The fifth rate was set of fire and sank in the York River, Virginia, United States.[86]
HMS Fowey Royal NavyAmerican Revolutionary War, Siege of Yorktown: The sixth rate fire ship was scuttled in the York River.
HMS Guadeloupe Royal NavyAmerican Revolutionary War, Siege of Yorktown: The Coventry-class frigate was scuttled in the York River. Subsequently salvaged by the French and entered service with the French Navy.
Port Morant  Great BritainThe ship was lost on the Martin's Industry Sand, off Port Royal, South Carolina, United States. Her crew were rescued.[89][90]
Shipwright  Great BritainAmerican Revolutionary War, Siege of Yorktown:The transport burned and sank, along with another transport, in the York River, Virginia, United States, when the anchor line of the burning HMS Charon ( Royal Navy) parted and she drifted into them.[91]
Unknown  Great BritainAmerican Revolutionary War, Siege of Yorktown:The transport burned and sank, along with "Shipwright", in the York River, Virginia, United States, when the anchor line of the burning HMS Charon ( Royal Navy) parted and she drifted into them.[91]
HMS Vulcan Royal NavyAmerican Revolutionary War, Siege of Yorktown: The fireship was scuttled in the York River.

11 October

List of shipwrecks: 11 October 1781
ShipStateDescription
HMS Firebrand Royal NavyThe fireship caught fire, exploded and sank at Falmouth, Cornwall. Her crew were rescued.[92]
HMS Rattlesnake Royal NavyThe cutter was wrecked at Trindade, Brazil, with the loss of all but one of her crew.[18][93]

15 October

List of shipwrecks: 15 October 1781
ShipStateDescription
Pearl  DenmarkThe ship was wrecked on the Goodwin Sands, Kent, Great Britain. Her crew were rescued. She was on a voyage from Saint Croix to Copenhagen.[94]

17 October

List of shipwrecks: 17 October 1781
ShipStateDescription
Lord Howe  Great BritainThe storeship foundered in the Atlantic Ocean (45°26′N 41°00′W / 45.433°N 41.000°W / 45.433; -41.000). Her crew were rescued.[95]

18 October

List of shipwrecks: 18 October 1781
ShipStateDescription
Betsey  Great BritainThe ship was lost near "Wingo", Sweden. She was on a voyage from London to Stettin.[64]
Mermaid  Great BritainThe ship was driven ashore and severely damaged in the River Mersey. She was on a voyage from Liverpool, Lancashire to Africa.[96]

24 October

List of shipwrecks: 24 October 1781
ShipStateDescription
Boog  Great BritainThe ship foundered in the Atlantic Ocean. Her crew were rescued by Susanna (  Great Britain). Boog was on a voyage from Jamaica to London.[68]

29 October

List of shipwrecks: 29 October 1781
ShipStateDescription
Peace and Plenty  IrelandThe ship capsized in the Atlantic Ocean with the loss of all but one of her crew. She was on a voyage from Cork to the West Indies.[97]

Unknown date

List of shipwrecks: Unknown date 1781
ShipStateDescription
Fame  Great BritainThe ship was driven ashore on "Cruyso Island". She was on a voyage from Archangelsk, Russia to London.[64]
Friendship  Great BritainThe ship was wrecked on the coast of Labrador, British America.[98]
Henrietta  PrussiaThe ship was lost neat Ystadt, Sweden. She was on a voyage from Memel to Hull, Yorkshire, Great Britain.[59]
Jenny  Great BritainThe ship was in collision with Gibside' (  Great Britain and foundered in the North Sea off Flamborough Head, Yorkshire with the loss of three of her crew.[84]
Kent  Great BritainThe ship was driven ashore on the coast of Lincolnshire.[99]
Lamedo  PortugalThe ship foundered. Her crew were rescued by Nossa Senhora das Neves (  Portugal). Lamedo was on a voyage from Dover, Kent, Great Britain to Lisbon.[59]
São João Baptista  PortugalThe ship was wrecked near Truro, Cornwall, Great Britain. She was on a voyage from Cork, Ireland to Ostend, Dutch Republic.[96]

November

5 November

List of shipwrecks: 5 November 1781
ShipStateDescription
Richard  Great BritainThe ship was lost in Mount's Bay. She was on a voyage from Tinmouth, Devon to Liverpool, Lancashire.[100]
Santissimo Trinidade  PortugalThe ship was lost near St Martin's, Isles of Scilly, Great Britain. Her crew survived. She was on a voyage from Aveiro to Amsterdam, Dutch Republic.[100]

6 November

List of shipwrecks: 6 November 1781
ShipStateDescription
Jamaica  IrelandThe ship was driven ashore on the coast of Ireland with the loss of a crew member. She was on a voyage from Sligo to Charles Town, South Carolina, United States.[101]

14 November

List of shipwrecks: 14 November 1781
ShipStateDescription
John & Mary  Great BritainThe ship foundered in the Dogger Bank. Her cre were rescued by a fishing vessel.[102]
Rodney  Great BritainAnglo-French War (1778–83): The ship was driven ashore at Aldeburgh, Suffolk by a French privateer. She was on a voyage from Archangelsk, Russia to London.[68]

21 November

List of shipwrecks: 21 November 1781
ShipStateDescription
Prince of Orange  Great BritainThe ship foundered. Her crew were rescued by HMS Shark ( Royal Navy). Prince of Orange was on a voyage from Saint Petersburg, Russia to London.[103]

28 November

List of shipwrecks: 28 November 1781
ShipStateDescription
May  Great BritainThe ship was driven ashore on the Island of Condre, in the Saint Lawrence River. She was on a voyage from Quebec to Brazil.[104]
Paisley  Great BritainThe storeship was wrecked at Whitby, Yorkshire. All on board were rescued.[101]

Unknown date

List of shipwrecks: Unknown date 1781
ShipStateDescription
Adventure  Great BritainThe ship was wrecked on rocks at North Shields, County Durham. She was on a voyage from Saint Petersburg, Russia to Portsmouth, Hampshire.[105][106]
Ann and Frances  Great BritainThe ship was lost on the Isle of Lewis with the loss of two of her crew. She was on a voyage from Whitehaven, Cumberland to a Baltic port.[107]
Antigallician  Great BritainThe ship was driven ashore and wrecked near Holyhead, Anglesey. She was on a voyage from Liverpool, Lancashire to Charles Town, South Carolina, United States.[108][109]
Blushing Aurora  Great BritainThe ship was driven ashore and wrecked on the coast of Jutland. She was on a voyage from Archangelsk, Russia to Liverpool.[100]
Colvil  Great BritainThe ship was lost whilst on a voyage from the Baltic to Scotland.[105]
Count Schimmelman  DenmarkThe ship was driven ashore near Ramsgate, Kent, Great Britain. She was on a voyage from Málaga, Spain to London, Great Britain.[67]
Emanuel HamburgThe ship ran aground on the Gunfleet Sand, in the North Sea and was severely damaged. She was refloated and taken in to Harwich, Essex, Great Britain for repairs. Emanuel was on a voyage from London to Hamburg.[67]
Felicity JerseyThe ship was lost near Libava, Duchy of Courland and Semigallia. She was on a voyage from Saint Petersburg to Jersey.[110]
Friendship BremenThe ship was lost in the Weser. She was on a voyage from Bourdeaux, France to Bremen.[67]
Friendship  Great BritainThe ship was lost whilst on a voyage from the Baltic to Scotland.[105]
Good Hope  Great BritainThe ship was driven ashore on Texel, Dutch Republic. She was on a voyage from Aberdeen to Ostend, Dutch Republic.[111]
Inga Magdalena  SwedenThe ship was lost near Dungeness, Kent. She was on a voyage from Stockholm to Plymouth, Devon, Great Britain.[68]
Magdalena  Great BritainThe ship foundered in the Baltic Sea. She was on a voyage from Riga, Russia to Hull, Yorkshire.[112]
Maria  Great BritainAnglo-French War (1778–83): The ship was captured off Fairlee, Isle of Wight by the privateer Jenne Dunkirquoise (  Kingdom of France). She was sent in to Dunkerque, France but was lost going into that port. Her crew were rescued.[100]
Marwood  Great BritainThe brig foundered off the coast on Norway with the loss of all but one of her crew.[105]
Mary  Great BritainThe ship was wrecked on the Welsh coast with the loss of four of her crew. She was on a voyage from Jamaica to Bristol, Gloucestershire.[100]
Norfolk  Great BritainThe ship was wrecked on the coast of Norway.[110]
Officeuse  FranceThe storeship was wrecked at Casamance, Portuguese Guinea. She was on a voyage from Bourdeaux to Senegal.
Ranger  Great BritainThe ship was lost in the Gulf of Finland. She was on a voyage from Saint Petersburg to Bristol.[106]
Sally  Great BritainThe ship foundered. Her crew were rescued.[105]
Spitfire  Great BritainThe cutter was lost in Irvine Bay. She was on a voyage from Gothenburg, Sweden to Scotland.[111]
Two Brothers  Dutch RepublicThe ship was lost near Ilfracombe, Devon, Great Britain. She was on a voyage from Málaga to Ostend.[110]

December

1 December

List of shipwrecks: 1 December 1781
ShipStateDescription
Cyrus  Great BritainThe ship capsized in the River Witham at Boston, Lincolnshire.[112]

3 December

List of shipwrecks: 3 December 1781
ShipStateDescription
Jenny  Great BritainThe ship was wrecked on the coast of Cornwall. She was on a voyage from London to Plymouth, Devon.[113]
Seaflower  Great BritainThe ship was abandoned by her crew, who were rescued. She was on a voyage from Riga, Russia to London. Seaflower was later discovered at sea derelict and taken in to "Fredericks Warn".[114]

7 December

List of shipwrecks: 7 December 1781
ShipStateDescription
Friendship  Great BritainThe ship was driven ashore at Sandown Castle, Kent. She was on a voyage from Saint Petersburg, Russia to Plymouth, Devon.[115] She was later refloated and taken in to Dover, Kent.[116]
King George  Great BritainAfrican slave trade: The ship was wrecked on Grand Cayman with the loss of a crew member and 108 of the 429 slaves on board. She was on a voyage from Africa to Jamaica.[117]

17 December

List of shipwrecks: 17 December 1781
ShipStateDescription
Æolus  Great BritainThe ship was wrecked on the Haisborough Sands, in the North Sea off the coast of Norfolk. Her crew were rescued by Louisa (  Great Britain).[118]

18 December

List of shipwrecks: 18 December 1781
ShipStateDescription
Maria  SwedenThe ship was driven ashore and wrecked at Elsinore, Denmark. She was on a voyage from Alicant, Spain to Stockholm.[119]

21 December

List of shipwrecks: 21 December 1781
ShipStateDescription
HMS Bellona Royal NavyThe Bellona-class ship of the line ran aground off St Helens, Isle of Wight and was severely damaged.[118] She was refloated on 25 December.[119]
Samuel  Great BritainThe ship foundered in the Atlantic Ocean. Her crew were rescued by Olive Branch.[120]

22 December

List of shipwrecks: 22 December 1781
ShipStateDescription
Monkey  Great BritainThe cutter was driven ashore at Dunkerque, France. She was captured by the local inhabitants.[121]

25 December

List of shipwrecks: 25 December 1781
ShipStateDescription
Casio Jose  PortugalThe ship was wrecked at "Sniem", County Kerry, Ireland Her crew were rescued. She was on a voyage from Lisbon to London, Great Britain.[122]
Phœnix  Great BritainAnglo-French War (1778–83): The lugger was holed in an engagement with the privateer Fearnought (  France) and consequently foundered 3 leagues (9 nautical miles (17 km) off St Ives, Cornwall with the loss of fourteen of her crew.[123]

28 December

List of shipwrecks: 28 December 1781
ShipStateDescription
Caterina  Great BritainThe ship was wrecked at Sker Point, Glamorgan. The wreck was looted by local inhabitants, several off whom were arrested and imprisoned. One was later hanged.[124]
Ellen  Great BritainThe ship was driven ashore in Bootle Bay.[125] She was later refloated and taken in to Liverpool, Lancashire. Ellen was on a voyage from Jamaica to Liverpool.[126]
Good-Intent  Great BritainThe ship was driven ashore and wrecked near Bridport, Dorset. She was on a voyage from Falmouth, Cornwall to London.[97]
Solidade  PortugalThe ship was driven ashore and severely damaged in the River Shannon. She was on a voyage from Lisbon, to Waterford, Ireland.[114]

30 December

List of shipwrecks: 30 December 1781
ShipStateDescription
Lancaster  Great BritainThe ship was driven ashore near Galway, Ireland. She was on a voyage from Liverpool, Lancashire to Africa.[79]

Unknown date

List of shipwrecks: Unknown date 1781
ShipStateDescription
Anna Maria  DenmarkThe ship was driven ashore at Pakefield, Suffolk, Kingdom of Great Britain. She was on a voyage from Ostend, Dutch Republic to Marseille, France.[106]
Balfour  Great BritainThe ship was driven ashore and wrecked on the "Island of Flora" with the loss of eight of her crew. She was on a voyage from Saint Augustine to London.[127]
British Queen  Great BritainThe ship foundered in the Atlantic Ocean. Her crew were rescued by Dick (  Great Britain).[120]
Coron  Imperial Russian NavyThe ship was holed by ice and sank at Taganrog. She was refloated in 1782, repaired and returned to service.[128]
Elizabeth  Great BritainAnglo-French War (1778–83): The ship was captured by a French privateer. She was subsequently driven ashore at Padstow, Cornwall. Elizabeth was on a voyage from Tortola to London.[125]
Fanny  Great BritainThe ship was driven ashore and wrecked in Carnarvon Bay. She was on a voyage from Liverpool, Lancashire to London.[116]
Friends Goodwill  Great BritainThe ship ran aground and was wrecked at Weymouth, Dorset.[129]
Isabella  Great BritainThe ship was lost at the "Lambaska Islands", in the White Sea. She was on a voyage from Archangelsk, Russia to Kirkcudbright.[130]
Jong Schettelaen  Dutch RepublicThe ship was lost near "Wyburgh". She was on a voyage from Riga, Russia to Ostend.[106]
Josepha  IrelandThe ship foundered in the North Sea with the loss of all but two of her crew. She was on a voyage from Saint Petersburg, Russia to Cork.[103]
Laurel  Great BritainThe ship was driven ashore in the Orkney Islands. She was on a voyage from Saint Petersburg to Whitehaven, Cumberland.[131]
London  Great BritainThe ship was lost at the mouth of the River Bray. She was on a voyage from Liverpool, Lancashire to London.[132]
Neptune  Great BritainThe ship was driven ashore and severely damaged whilst on a voyage from Plymouth to Tinmouth, Devon. She was later refloated.[103]
Swan  Great BritainThe transport ship foundered in the Atlantic Ocean. Her crew took to the boat and were later rescued by Dick (  Great Britain).[120]
Truelove  Great BritainThe ship was driven ashore on Sanday, Orkney Islands. She was on a voyage from Saint Petersburg to Whitehaven.[116]
Vlieger van Ostend  Dutch RepublicThe ship was driven ashore and wrecked in the Ems.[118]

Unknown date

List of shipwrecks: Unknown date 1781
ShipStateDescription
Africa  Great BritainThe ship sprang a leak in the Atlantic Ocean. Her crew set fire to the vessel and were rescued by Nancy and Trecothick (both  Great Britain). Africa was on a voyage from Jamaica to London.[101][107]
Anna  Great BritainThe ship was lost at "St John's, Augustine".[36]
Alfred  Great BritainThe ship was lost at Jamaica.[133]
Betsy  Great BritainAmerican Revolutionary War, Siege of Yorktown:The coal brig was scuttled as a blockship sometime during the siege.[134]
Betsey  Great BritainThe ship was sunk by ice off Trinity, Newfoundland, British America. She was on a voyage from Lisbon, Portugal to Trinity.[135]
Betsey  Great BritainThe ship foundered. Her crew were rescued.[136]
Britannia  Great BritainThe victualling ship was lost at Virginia, United States.[137]
Britannia  Great BritainThe ship was lost whilst on a voyage from Charles Town, South Carolina and Georgia to the West Indies.[138]
Brotherly Love  Great BritainThe ship capsized in the Atlantic Ocean with the loss of a passenger. She was on a voyage from Savannah, Georgia, United States to the Leeward Islands.[138]
Carboneir  PortugalThe ship was sunk by ice off the coast of Newfoundland. She was on a voyage from Lisbon to Newfoundland.[139]
Charming Nancy  Great BritainThe ship foundered. Her crew were rescued.[136]
Countess of Effingham  Great BritainThe ship foundered in Trinity Bay, Newfoundland. she was on a voyage from Pool, Dorset to Newfoundland.[139]
Cyrus  Great BritainThe ship foundered. Her crew were rescued by HMS Ruby ( Royal Navy).[100]
Daniel  Great BritainThe ship was wrecked on the coast of Newfoundland with the loss of 24 of her crew. She was on a voyage from Barbadoes to Newfoundland.[106]
Debby  Great BritainThe ship was lost at Jamaica.[140]
Deux Frères  Great BritainThe ship capsized in the Mississippi River. She was on a voyage from New Orleans, New Spain to London.[18]
Dispatch  Great BritainAmerican Revolutionary War: The ship was driven ashore near Charles Town by American privateers and was wrecked. She was on a voyage from Jamaica to Charles Town.[84]
Dispatch  Great BritainThe ship was driven ashore and wrecked near Baltimore, Maryland, British America.[89]
Duke of Cumberland  Great BritainThe ship was lost at Montego Bay, Jamaica. She was on a voyage from Sint Eustatius to Jamaica.[141]
Earl of Cornwallis  Great BritainThe privateer capsized at Saint Kitts whilst being careened with much loss of life.[142]
Earl of Grenville  Great BritainThe ship foundered. Her crew were rescued.[136]
Elizabeth  Great BritainThe ship foundered in the Atlantic Ocean. Sally (  Great Britain) rescued the crew. Elizabeth was on a voyage from New York, United States to the West Indies.[8]
Friendship  Great BritainThe ship was wrecked on a reef in the Chesapeake River, United States. Her crew were rescued. She was on a voyage from Charles Town to Virginia.[143]
Gascoyne  Great BritainThe ship foundered in the Atlantic Ocean. She was on a voyage from Jamaica to Liverpool, Lancashire.[68]
General Clinton  Great BritainThe ship foundered in the Atlantic Ocean. Her crew were rescued.[144]
General Prevost  Great BritainAmerican Revolutionary War: The ship was engaged by an American brig, cutter and frigate. She was driven ashore and wrecked on the north coast of Cuba.[145]
Industry  Great BritainThe ship was lost in the West Indies. She was on a voyage from Saint Thomas, Virgin Islands to Halifax.[59]
Jamaica  Great BritainThe ship capsized at Charles Town.[120]
June  Great BritainThe ship was lost in the Straits of Belle Isle. She was on a voyage from London to Quebec.[105]
Lark  IrelandThe ship foundered in the Atlantic Ocean. She was on a voyage from Cork to New York.[146]
Leeds Industry  Great BritainThe transport ship was lost at Charles Town.[138]
Lively  United StatesThe schooner foundered in the Atlantic Ocean off Montauk, New York.[147]
Lord Frederick  Great BritainThe ship was captured by an American privateer. The British recaptured her but she was subsequently wrecked at Bermuda. Lord Frederick was on a voyage from the Clyde to Charles Town.[148]
Loyal Briton  Great BritainThe ship foundered in the Atlantic Ocean. She was on a voyage from Bristol to New York.[78]
Madonna del Rosario Grand Duchy of TuscanyThe ship foundered off Rhodes. She was on a voyage from Scanderoon, Ottoman Empire to Livorno.[32]
Nancy  Great BritainThe ship foundered in the Atlantic Ocean. Fly (  Great Britain) rescued the crew. Nancy was on a voyage from New York to Lisbon, Portugal.[31]
Nancy  Great BritainThe ship foundered in the Atlantic Ocean. Her crew were rescued She was on a voyage from Jamaica to London.[149]
Philippa  Great BritainAmerican Revolutionary War: The ship was captured by an American privateer but was subsequently lost. She was on a voyage from Oporto, Portugal to New York.[8]
Richmond  Great BritainThe ship foundered in the Atlantic Ocean whilst bound for Charles Town.[89]
Rodney  Great BritainThe ship foundered in the Atlantic Ocean. She was on a voyage from Jamaica to London.[150]
Rosa  Great BritainThe ship was lost near "Town Cordowan". She was on a voyage from "Port Passage" to the West Indies.[136]
Sir Peter Parker  Great BritainThe ship was lost at Jamaica. She was on a voyage from Pensacola, Florida, British America to Jamaica.[148]
Speedwell  Great BritainThe ship was sunk by ice off Trinity, Newfoundland. She was on a voyage from Lisbon to Trinity.[135]
Speke  Great BritainThe transport ship was presumed to have foundered whilst on a voyage from the West Indies to Great Britain.[114]
St. Stephen  Great BritainThe transport ship foundered in the Atlantic Ocean. Her crew were rescued.[122]
Swallow  Great BritainThe ship was lost at Tortola before 22 June. Her crew were rescued.[151]
Thetis  Great BritainThe ship foundered in the Atlantic Ocean. Laing (  Great Britain) rescued the crew. Thetis was on a voyage from Jamaica to London.[68]
Trecothick  Great BritainThe ship sprang a leak in the Atlantic Ocean. Her crew set fire to her and abandoned ship. They were rescued.[107]
Venus  Great BritainThe ship was lost off Cape Ray, Newfoundland.[121]

References