Lightning, 1829
Type: Sloop ; Armament 18
Launched : 2 Jun 1829 ; Disposal date or year : 1866
BM: 463 tons
Notes:

Beware - there was already a another Lightning, a Paddler, in service when this vessel was brought into service, which perhaps, and understandably, is why this vessel was renamed Larne in 1832.

Designed by Prof. Inman

5 Oct 1829 at Teneriffe.

25 Dec 1829 departed Rio de Janeiro for Rio Plata.

Jul 1830 South America Station.

Dec 1830 at Rio de Janeiro.

30 Jan 1831 at Cape Frio attempting to recover the treasure from the Thetis commenced using a diving bell designed onboard.

27 Mar 1831 some of treasure from the Thetis found and recovered.

13 May 1831 recovery of treasure at Cape Frio continues under the supervision of Captain Dickinson, HMS Lightning, and over $130,000 had been recovered.

23 Aug 1831 departed Rio de Janeiro for Cape Frio.

Mar 1882 Captain Dickenson continued in charge of recovery operations, recovering over $500,000 worth of bullion and specie etc., until relieved by Captain de Roos of the Algerine. 30 Aug 1834 salvage of specie and bullion from the wreck of the Thetis (a payment of �10,000), due to be paid.

14 Mar 1832 arrived Rio from Cape Frio with $60,000 from the wreck of the Thetis, which was turned over to the frigate Maidstone, which was due to leave for England on 29th inst.

28 Apr 1832 at Rio de Janeiro.

20 Jun 1832 at Rio de Janeiro when the Seringapatam departed for England.

4 Jul 1832 departed Rio for England, leaving the Warspite, Samarang, and Beagle in harbour, the latter ready to depart for the River Plate.

28 Aug 1832 arrived Spithead from Rio.

12 Sep 1832 Lightning renamed Larne.

13 Sep 1832 paid off and and to be recommissioned as the Larne.

On being paid off the ship's company requested permission to present their commanding officer with a sword and pair of epaulettes, as a sign of their gratitude etc., but Captain Dickinson, who disapproved of his inferiors expressing a public opinion of their superiors, declined to accept them, but an anonymous letter was sent to the Commander in Chief suggesting that the ship's company had been ill treated, and further application was made for the award to be accepted by Capt. D., who then consulted with the C-in-C, following which he agreed to accept the gifts. [Not surprising that this sort of thing, ie presenting gifts to senior officers etc., was made contrary to the Naval Disciplinary Act in years to come.]