Merkurii

The 20-guns brig Mercury was laid in Sevastopol in 1819. The ship master colonel I.Y. Osminin conceived the ‘Mercury’ as a special ship to protect the Caucasian coast and as a patrol ship. ‘Mercury’ could sail as well as use oars. 14 (26) May 1829 during the Russian-Turkish War three Russian ships - frigate ‘Standart’, brig ‘Orfey’ and ‘Mercury’ cruised the Bosporus and noticed the Turkish squadron of 14 ships. The enemy squadron rushed in pursuit of the Russian ships. ‘Standart’ and “Orfey” quickly broke away from the chase, and “Mercury” (commander captain-lieutenant A.I. Kazarsky) took the fight with the best ships of the Turkish squadron 110-gun “Selimiye” and 74-gun “Real Bey”. ‘Mercury’, using oars and skilfully manoeuvring, masterfully dodged volleys, shooting at the spars and sails of the enemy ships. About four hours lasted this unprecedented in history unequal battle. ‘Selimiye’ and “Real Bay” received considerable damage and they were unable to pursue Russian ship . ‘Mercury’ received 22 hits in the hull, more than 300 in the sails, rigging and spars, but was able to join his squadron. The Mercury's crew was decorated and the brig received a commemorative St George's flag and pennant.