Battles of the Chincha Islands War
1864–1866 · 3 battles covered, in date order. Click a battle on the map for its summary.
Battle (size: ships engaged)
Spanish movement
Chilean movement
Routes are approximate.
1865
26 November 1865 · Off Papudo, north of Valparaíso
Battle of PapudoChilean victory
The Chilean corvette Esmeralda, under Juan Williams Rebolledo, approached the Spanish schooner Covadonga flying British colours and forced her to surrender in about half an hour. Spain's admiral, Pareja, whose correspondence was captured with her, shot himself aboard his flagship two days later.
1 (1 lost)
vs
1
1866
7 February 1866 · Abtao island, Gulf of Ancud, Chiloé
Battle of AbtaoInconclusive
The allied Peruvian–Chilean squadron sheltered in shallow channels behind Abtao island, where the two Spanish frigates could not follow. The two sides exchanged fire at long range; the Spanish gunnery was more accurate and damaged the allied ships, but neither side could close, and the Spanish withdrew.
2
vs
4
2 May 1866 · Callao, Peru
Battle of CallaoInconclusive; both sides claimed victory
Admiral Méndez Núñez brought his squadron against the forts of Callao. Numancia drew much of the fire and Méndez Núñez was wounded on her bridge; Villa de Madrid was disabled and Berenguela holed. A Spanish shot destroyed the Peruvian La Merced turret, killing the war minister José Gálvez. By evening the forts were down to a few guns and the Spanish withdrew. It was the last action of the war.