Ambuscade, 1799
Type: Dutch frigate ; Armament ??
Acquired : 30 Aug 1799 by Adm Mitchell's squadron in the Vlieter.
25 Mar 1803 Ambuscade eventually entered service with the RN and renamed Helder.
Notes:

14 Feb 1801 remains at Sheerness the Hebe, Jamaica, Ambuscade (Dutch), Raison, frigates ; Hermes, sloop ; Harpy, Speedwell, brigs ; with 19 gun brigs ; and the Dolphin cutter.

12 May 1801 came into Dock at Sheerness to be repaired. Her ship's company were paid, and she sailed later for the Downs.

Loss of the Ambuscade.
Sheerness, 10 Jul 1801.
The Ambuscade Dutch frigate, Captain Van Voss, this morning at eight o'clock got under weigh to go out of harbour, on her way to the Downs, wind blowing fresh W.N.W. when she was perceived about nine o'clock, nearly on her beam ends, just beyond the Middle Sand, which is about three miles from hence, in the fair channel to the Nore, in about five fathoms water. This fatal accident happened by a plank in her bottom giving way. It was first discovered by some women on the lower deck, who perceiving the water rushing in at the hawse holes, ran upon deck, and gave the alarm, when the Captain and Carpenter went down, and they plainly perceived that it was too true. Orders were immediately given, and the sails clewed up (they having topgallant-sails set) : they immediately bore up, the ship sinking by the head very fast, and in less than five minutes from the time the leak was discovered, the larboard side of the ship, and the deck up to the main hatch, was entirely under water. Boats immediately went to the assistance of the people, who all "(except two or three between decks) got up to the starboard side of the ship, and mostly were picked off by one of his Majesty's tenders at the Nore, and other vessels which were there. On the people's perceiving the ship sinking, four or five jumped overboard, in hopes of saving their lives, but were most fatally disappointed. We have to lament the fate of eight souls who were drowned on this lamentable occasion, consisting of five men, two women, and a child of about six years of age.
The Ambuscade was rather an old frigate, and was ordered to join the other three Dutch ships in his Majesty's service at Ireland. She is not entirely under water, but must be removed, as she lays directly in the channel to the Nore.
Her crew and officers were put on board the De Ruyter, till further orders are received respecting them.

15 Jul 1801 it is noted that stores and fittings are still being removed from the wreck of the Ambuscade, including her masts and most of her guns, although it is feared that her hull is becoming embedded in the sand and she may not be salvaged. The final death toll was 23 unfortunate souls, including a woman and her infant child. Wind SW, with rain.

19 Jul 1801 the Ambuscade has now been weighed, and she was towed into harbour yesterday morning, and is now laying upon the west shore ; all her guns have been got out, and she is nearly freed from water, and in a tide or two hope to know what caused the leak.

21 Jul 1801 she was warped alongside the Drochterland hulk, and it is now believed, that there is no hole in her bottom.

26 Jul 1801 to be taken into dock at Sheerness on Monday to be examined.

11 Aug 1801 has been undocked at Sheerness.

4 Sep 1801 it was reported at Sheerness that a seaman from the Ambuscade fell from aloft on to the deck, and was killed on the spot. Wind SW, blows hard.

10 May 1802 the Iris and Favourite are ordered to convey the troops serving as marines on board the Guelderland, Ambuscade, Amphitrite, and Galathea, Dutch ships, to Lymngton, Hants, from which place they will embark for Holland. The sloops Ranger, Arrow, and Autumn are ordered to take the seamen belonging to the 4 Dutch ships above, to Embden.

21 May 1802 has been paid off at Chatham.

25 Mar 1803 Dutch frigate Ambuscade entered service with the RN and renamed Helder.