Battle of Berlengas (1714)

Battle of Berlengas (1714)
Date April 1714 Location Berlengas Islands Result Portuguese victory
Belligerents
Portugal	Algiers
Commanders and leaders
Unknown	Unknown
Strength
1 merchant ship	3 frigates
Casualties and losses
9 killed, 30 wounded	Unknown

The Battle of Berlengas was a maritime confrontation which took place in April 1714, off the coast of the Berlengas Islands, involving a Portuguese merchant ship and three Barbary pirate frigates. This event is noteworthy for its historical significance as an example of Portuguese maritime resistance against pirate attacks during the 18th century.

Background

In the early 18th century, maritime routes were subject to frequent pirate attacks, especially in the waters of the Atlantic and the Mediterranean. The Berlengas, an archipelago located off the Portuguese coast, represented a strategic point on the route of ships sailing between Portugal and its colonies. However, Algerian privateers continued to operate off the coast, although perhaps with apparent less success, as news of attacks only

In April 1714, a Portuguese merchant ship returning from the Bay (present-day Salvador, Brazil) was attacked by three Barbary pirate frigates off the Berlengas. The pirate frigates, armed with one of 50 guns, another of 40, and another of 30, initiated the engagement with an artillery duel that lasted over two hours. Both sides fired about fourteen salvos, despite adverse conditions of rough seas and strong winds. 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

After realizing that they could not win solely through long-range combat, the pirates attempted to board the Portuguese ship on three occasions, but their assaults were repelled due to the resistance of the Portuguese and the unfavorable weather conditions. During the boarding attempts, the Portuguese ship suffered nine casualties and thirty wounded, while the damage to the vessel was minimal. 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.

Aftermath

After three failed boarding attempts and suffering an unknown number of casualties and damages, the pirates decided to end the engagement and withdraw. The Portuguese ship managed to return to the Tagus River safely, despite the challenges faced during the confrontation. 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.

Legacy

The Battle of Berlengas of 1714 is remembered as an example of the determination and skill of Portuguese navigators in resisting pirate attacks during the colonial period. This event highlights the importance of defending maritime routes and protecting Portugal's commercial interests in the Atlantic. 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.