Action of 30 May 1563

The Action of 30 May 1563 was the first naval battle of the Northern Seven Years' War (1563–70), taking place on 30 May 1563 near Bornholm. A Danish squadron of 10 ships under Jacob Brockenhuus, at anchor near Bornholm, saw a Swedish squadron of 19 ships, under Jakob Bagge, approaching, and sent only the 3 ships Hercules 81 (flag), Hector 38 and Hjort 46 toward it to show that they didn't want to fight. Unfortunately, when firing 3 shots as a challenge, they managed to hit one of the Swedish ships. The Swedes promptly surrounded and attacked the Danes, capturing all 3 after a 4 hour fight. The remaining Danish ships remained at anchor.