The 5th-rate, HMS SAN FIORENZO, (CAPT G. N. Hardinge, RN), captured the French ship PIETMONTAISE, (40 guns), in a battle which lasted three days.
CAPT Hardinge was killed in the battle. The victory gave the RN control of the Indian Ocean.
HMS SAN FIORENZO was the French ship MINERVE, captured at Corsica in 1794. CAPT Hardinge was presented with two prize swords for this action which are now on display at the Historical Collection of HMAS CRESWELL.