HMS Cockburn (1822)

For other ships with the same name, see HMS Cockburn.

HMS Cockburn was a schooner, the former American steam vessel Braganza, that the Royal Navy purchased at Rio de Janeiro in May 1822. She was wrecked 11 months later.

History
United Kingdom
Name	HMS Cockburn
Namesake	Sir George Cockburn, 10th Baronet
Acquired	1822 by purchase
Fate	Wrecked 2 April 1823
General characteristics
Tons burthen	160[1] (bm)

HMS Leven towed Cockburn from Rio de Janeiro to Cape Town. On 22 June the tow resulted in Cockburn taking on water, a problem that did not abate until the tow broke.^[2]

In August 1822 Cockburn was at Cape Town, undergoing fitting to serve as a tender to Leven,^[3] the purpose for which she had been purchased. The preparations, including provisioning for eight months for both Cockburn and Barracouta.^[4]

In December Cockburn, Lieutenant R. Owen, was in Delagoa Bay, expecting to return to the Cape in February.^[5][a]

Loss: On 2 April 1823 HMS Cockburn, Lieutenant Owen, was attempting to enter Simon's Bay, Cape Colony, when Owen mistook the land. She anchored off Musenberg beach, but a strong wind drove her onshore at 4am on 3 April. All her crew were saved but it was doubted that she could be retrieved.^[7] Her masts were cut away and her rudder was lost.^[8][9]

Notes

1. Lieutenant Richard Owen was Richard Owen, who had been appointed to Leven on 14 November 1821.^[6]