Battle of Angamos

8 October 1879, Off Punta Angamos, near Mejillones

Decisive Chilean victory

After months of raids by Huáscar, the Chilean fleet set a trap with two divisions. Huáscar ran from the first straight into the second, led by Almirante Cochrane. A shell hit her conning tower and killed Admiral Grau; her crew tried to scuttle her, but Chilean boarders took her at about 11:00. Unión outran the Chileans and escaped. With Huáscar gone, Chile controlled the sea and could invade Peru.

Chilean Navy

6 ships, none lost

Ship	Type	Outcome
Almirante Cochrane Her shell killed Grau	Ironclad Almirante Cochrane class	Survived
Blanco Encalada Squadron flagship	Ironclad Almirante Cochrane class	Survived
Covadonga	Schooner	Survived
O'Higgins	Corvette	Survived
Loa	Armed merchant cruiser	Survived
Matías Cousiño	Transport	Survived

Peruvian Navy

2 ships, 1 lost

Ship	Type	Outcome
Huáscar Grau killed; boarded before she could be scuttled	Ironclad	Captured
Unión	Corvette	Escaped

Map

Huáscar's raids May – October 1879
The Chilean fleet closes in 8 October 1879