9 Apr 1676 (O.S.) // Hulk HMS Europa was destroyed by fire at Malta. She was a former Dutch vessel captured in 1673, initially used as a storage hulk at Tangier and transferred to Malta in May 1675 to support #RoyalNavy warships operating against the Algerine corsairs. [1/2]

April 09, 2026 - 21:10 UTC

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Investigations established that the fire had been started deliberately by the Europa's cook and bosun's mate. Disliking their lonely and uncomfortable posting, they had decided to desert, and had set fire to the ship to cover their escape. Both men were caught and hanged. [2/2] #NavalHistory
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