HMS Sandfly (1872)

History
United Kingdom
NameHMS Sandfly
BuilderJohn Cuthbert, Millers Point, New South Wales
Launched5 December 1872
Decommissioned1883
FateSold in 1883 to Tonga; wrecked 1892
General characteristics
TypeBeagle-class schooner
Tons burthen120 bm
Length77 ft 0 in (23.5 m)
Beam18 ft 6 in (5.6 m)
Depth of hold8 ft 6 in (2.59 m)
Sail planSchooner
Complement27
Armament1 × 12-pounder gun

HMS Sandfly was a schooner of the Royal Navy, built by John Cuthbert, Millers Point, New South Wales and launched on 5 December 1872. She commenced service on the Australia Station at Sydney in 1873 for anti-blackbirding operations in the South Pacific. She was paid off in 1883 and purchased for the Tongan Government by the Reverend S W Baker retaining the name Sandfly.