Spanish Hydrographic Vessels

By Nick Mitiuckov
General:

Spain was one of the few countries that had specially-constructed hydrographic vessels. Spain understood the need for good hydrographic research. By order of the Spanish navy Department one vessel was to operate off Spain (VULCANO, later repalced in 1895 by URANIA), one vessel was sent to Cuba (CRIOLLO), and one vessel was sent to the Philippines (ARGOS). Each vessel was required to be armed in case they had to function as a gunboat..

The author is searching for more information on these vessels, and would like verification of the facts as listed below. If you can in either of these items, please contact the website administrator, and he will put us in contact! We need your help!


VULCANO
 
Displacement
 Dimensions
Horsepower
Speed
Range
Bunker capacity
Class
530 tons
50.3m x 8.6m x 2.8m
200
9 knots
1200 miles
93 tons
 
This paddle-wheeled corvette, built in 1885 in London by Ditchburn & Mark, had one shaft. Her armament consisted of two 120mm/?cal muzzleloading rifles and one 70mm/16cal muzzleloading rifle. Her crew complement is unknown.

The vessel was the first iron-hulled vessel in the Spanish Navy. Her engines were produced by "Penn" of London. The vessel cost 670,000 pesetas (about 26,800 pounds). Some sources indicate that she was acquired from Mexico, either while she was on the stocks or after she was completed. She took part in the Italian expedition of 1848-49. After 1861 she was used as a hydrographic vessel. After 1890 she beame part of the Cartagena Naval Group. The vessel was dropped from the officla navy rolls in 1897. During the Spanish American War, she was have been in bad condition.

The vessel was named for the Roman god of fire.


CRIOLLO - see gunboat CRIOLLO ACTIVO-class. (click here).

ARGOS
 
Displacement
 Dimensions
Horsepower
Speed
Range
Bunker capacity
Class
700 tons
75.5m x 6.7m x 2.6m
300
9 knots
4500 miles
135 tons
 
This vessel, built in 1886 in Glasgow, had two shafts. Her armament consisted of one 70mm/16cal breechloading guns. Her crew complement is unknown.

The iron-hulled vessel was built for service in the Philippines, but the details of her service are unknown. During the Battle of Manila Bay/Cavite, she was close to the Spanish Squadron, but was not engaged in the battle. She was hit once in the battle, with little damage. In accordance with Admiral Montojo's orders, after the battle she retired into Canacao Bay and was scuttled. Later, after the conclusion of the battle a landing party from the USS PETREL set fire to her and destroyed her.

The vessel was named for the vessel of the Argonauts in Greek mythology.


URANIA

Displacement
 Dimensions
Horsepower
Speed
Range
Bunker capacity
Class
800 tons
59.5m x 7.9m x 3.2m
350
10 knots
6400 miles
200 tons
 
This vessel, built in 1895, had two shafts. Her armament consisted of two 57mm/43cal quick-fire guns. Her crew complement is unknown.

The vessel was built to replace the old VULCANO. The details of her career is unknown. She was on the rolls of the Spanish Navy into the 1930's.

The vessel was named for the Greek God of astronomy.

Bibliography:

Mitiuckov, Nick, Naval Historian, Izhevsk, Russia (personal correspondence)

Please note that we are looking for more information on these vessels. If you have additional data, please contact us!

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