Captain Thomas Cochrane, serving in the Royal Navy aboard the HMS Speedy, engaged in one of the most audacious naval confrontations of the early 19th century. In June of 1801, while patrolling off the coast of Egypt, Cochrane and his crew encountered the much larger Spanish frigate El Gamo, which was armed with 32 guns compared to the Speedy's mere 14. Despite being heavily outgunned, Cochrane devised a plan that capitalized on the Speedy's speed and agility. He approached El Gamo and engaged her with expert maneuvers that disrupted the Spanish ship's formation and reduced the risk of overwhelming firepower against his smaller vessel. The battle was intense, with fierce exchanges of cannon fire and hand-to-hand combat ensuing once the vessels were locked in close proximity. Ultimately, after a valiant struggle, Cochrane's crew succeeded in boarding El Gamo and compelling her to surrender.

This astonishing victory not only demonstrated Cochrane's tactical acumen but also highlighted the effectiveness of smaller, well-handled ships against larger opponents. The capture of El Gamo was particularly significant as it resulted in the British Royal Navy acquiring valuable resources, including artillery and naval supplies. This victory was emblematic of the naval warfare strategies emerging at the turn of the century, where speed, skill, and surprise could compensate for disadvantages in firepower and size. Following the capture, El Gamo was incorporated into the Royal Navy, further bolstering British maritime strength.