15. One of the largest maritime losses to occur in British waters, the sinking of HMS Royal George during routine maintenance cost the lives of almost one thousand individuals.
Launched in 1756, HMS Royal George was a colossal 100-gun first-rate ship of the line employed by the Royal Navy. The largest warship in the world upon completion, the Royal George saw action during the Seven Years’ War, serving as the flagship during the Battle of Quiberon Bay and fighting during the Battle of Cape St. Vincent. Following the relief of Gibraltar in 1780 and serving as part of the Channel Fleet the following year, in 1782 the Royal George made birth in Portsmouth to undergo routine maintenance. On August 29, whilst carrying almost her full complement in addition to more than a couple of hundred visiting relatives and prostitutes, the ship suddenly tilted.
Due to the work being performed on the hull, the ship’s starboard guns had rolled into the center of the vessel. Causing an imbalance, the ship began to collapse on its side and started settling into the water. Despite the lieutenant of the watch being asked by the ship’s carpenter twice to order the men to their stations and attempt to rectify the worsening situation, the officer refused and rebuked his subordinate. Reaching critical lean, the ship suddenly and rapidly sunk. Although an estimated 255 people survived, it is projected 900, including 300 women and 60 children, perished aboard the Royal George.