'The PLUTO, late ship of war, Cliff, from Portsmouth to London, ran on shore on Sunday on Foreness Rock, near Margate, and strained so much that she filled with water.' (1)

From the description 'late ship of war', this vessel would appear to be the former PLUTO fireship. Launched in 1782 as a fireship of the TISIPHONE/PLUTO class of 1780, she was fitted in 1793 (but not registered) as a sloop. In 1809 she was hulked, becoming a receiving ship at Portsmouth, and in 1817 she was sold. (2)

Launched: 1782
Builder: Stewart
Where Built: Sandgate
Master: Cliff
Armament: (as RN vessel; 14 x 18pdr)

Date of Loss Qualifier: A

<1> Lloyd's, 1969, Lloyd's list 1741-1945, 5208, 02-SEP-1817, Page Nos. N/a (Bibliographic reference). SKE6342.