Database: Explosion hazards

Storing up to 20 tons of gunpowder, ships of the period were particularly vulnerable to the risk of explosions. Flames and fires were everybody's nightmare. This was true when they were used for cooking or lighting, and even more so during battles. The use of fire ships, which were deliberately set on fire and sent against the enemy, was frequent. During the American Revolution, one of the British fleet's most important losses was the HMS Augusta. While sailing up the Delaware River, the powerful 64-gun ship ran aground on sandbars. As the battle started, the Patriots sent several fire ships onto the river in order to disrupt the attack and destroy the British ship. The Augusta caught fire and later exploded. The blast was heard up to 50km away.