Battle of Tortuguero

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Battle of Tortuguero

The Battle of Tortuguero, the first naval clash of the Dominican War of Independence, was fought on 15 April 1844 near Tortuguero in Azua Province.

Forces
- Dominican Republic: three schooners — Separación Dominicana (flagship), María Chica, and San José — commanded by Commander Juan Bautista Cambiaso, Captain Maggiolo, and Lieutenant Acosta.
- Haiti: Pandora (brigantine), La Mouche (schooner), and Le Signifie (schooner).

Event
Haitian ships bombarded Puerto Tortuguero from the sea. Cambiaso and the Dominican sailors engaged them, using quick maneuvers to their advantage.

Outcome
All three Haitian vessels were sunk; the Dominicans suffered no losses.

Aftermath
News of the victory spread quickly. On 23 April 1844, the Junta Central Gubernativa authorized incorporating the three Dominican schooners into the new Dominican Navy, and Cambiaso was named Admiral. Haitian sea power effectively vanished, giving the Dominican Republic naval supremacy for the remainder of the war.