There was a historical ironclad sea battle in October 1879 during the Pacific war. This was between Chile and the Peru/Bolivia alliance. The Peruvian ironclad Huscar had been roaming into Chile's waters hampering the nations war effort at sea by attacking ports and capturing transporters. The Peruvian ironclad Huscar, had won a major sea battle against a Chilean corvette called Esmeralda the previous May and had become bold with her success. This conflict is known as the Battle of Iquique and the duel lasted four hours before the Chilean vessel was sank.
The Chilean Navy had to deal with the Peruvian Huscar before she could progress with her war against the Peru/Bolivia alliance. A serious of events brought the problem to a very dramatic conclusion on 8th October 1879. The Chilean Navy sighted the Peruvian ironclad Huscar a short distance from the Port of Angamos, then in Bolivia, and moved into position to engage the ship.
Chile had 2 ironclads, 3 corvettes and 1 transport ship. A firce naval battle ensued and eventually the crippled Huscar was boarded by Chilean sailors. The ironclad was repaired and put into service for the Chilean cause. It still exists today and is a floating musuem in Talchuano, Chile.
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