HMS Kinston (Lord Clive)-- Part 3: The Sinking of the Lord Clive

On January 6, 1763, Robert McNamara and his fleet attacked Colonia de Sacramento, Uruguay,  and there was a big fight.

A fire started on the Lord Clive which caused a  massive explosion.  The ship began sinking fast.  McNamara and 271 others died aboard her.

The Ambuscade and Gloria were both badly damaged and left the scene.

I was unable to find any new information about the recovery of the Lord Clive.

--Cooter

HMS Kingston (Lord Clive Privateer)-- Part 2: Becoming a Privateer

The HMS Kingston was sold to privateers linked to the British East India Company on 14 January 1762 and renamed the Lord Clive.

During the Spanish-Portuguese War 1761-1763, the privateers fought on the side of Portugal and had plans for attacks on Buenos Aires and Montevideo.  Robert McNamara commanded the squadron of ships which included the Lord Clive (60 guns), Ambuscade (40) and the Portuguese ships including the frigate Gloria (38 guns).

On November 2, they sailed from Rio de Janeiro toward the mouth of the Rio de la Plara, but didn't attack because the Spanish were ready for them.

--Cooter

HMS Kingston (Privateer Lord Clive)-- Part 1: British Service

From Wikipedia.

The HMS Kingston was a 60 gun, 4th rate ship of the line built in Hull and launched 13 March 1677.  It measured 145 feet on the gundeck and had a 38 foot beam.  It was rebuilt in 1719 and 1740.

It took part in the  War of Spanish Succession and fought in three battles.  Also involved in the Seven Years War and at the Battle of Minorca in 1756 and the Battle of Quiberon Bay in 1759.

--Cooter

English Privateer Lord Clive Found Off Uruguay-- Part 2

However, those looking to work on the wreck face many problems.  Among them is the muddy water, fast current and rocks of the River Plate.

The Lord Clive was formerly the British Royal Navy's 4th-rate ship of the line HMS Kingston.  It was a six story tall ship and 160 feet long.

As near as I could make out from the article, it sounds like they are trying to recover the whole ship.  And, I am sure the gold has something to do with it.

Work is expected to begin in August.

--Cooter