Action of March 1677

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Action of March 1677
Part of Franco-Dutch War
Date March 1677 Location off Tobago Result Dutch victory, French attack repelled
Belligerents
France	Dutch Republic
Commanders and leaders
Jean II d'Estrées Louis Gabaret †	Jacob Binckes Roemer Vlacq

The action of March 1677 in the West Indies took place between a Dutch fleet under Jacob Binckes and a French force attempting to recapture the island of Tobago. There was much death and destruction on both sides. One of the Dutch supply ships caught fire and exploded; the fire then quickly spread in the narrow bay causing several ships, among them the French flagship Glorieux, to catch fire and explode in turn which resulted in great loss of life. The French under Jean II d'Estrées retreated but would make a second attempt at the end of the year with a much stronger fleet.

Order of battle

France (d'Estrées)

• Glorieux (flag) - (Jean II d'Estrées) Burnt; 60 people dead
• Intrépide - (Louis Gabaret) Captured and burnt
• Précieux - Aground and captured
• Marquis - Blew up
• Galant - Damaged
• Fendant - Damaged
• 4 anonymous other ships, and some smaller vessels

Netherlands

• Beschermer (flag) - (Jacob Binckes) 50 people dead
• Huis te Kruiningen - (Roemer Vlacq) Captured, blown up by its own crew; 56 people dead
• Zeelandia - 44 people dead
• Leyden - Damaged
• 6 anonymous other ships, and some merchant ships

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