H.M.S. Amphion, 679 tons, was a Fifth Rate of 32 guns built at Chatham in 1780. On 22 September 1796, whilst lying in the Hamoaze at Plymouth being fitted with a new bowsprit, she was blown apart by a massive explosion and totally destroyed. At the time of the incident, Amphion was lashed alongside the sheer hulk Yarmouth yet despite the fact that the frigate was lifted clear out of the water, Yarmouth emerged virtually undamaged apart from a covering of wreckage and the gruesome remains of shattered bodies. There were very few survivors and the dead included many wives and friends of the crew who had been allowed on board. An inquiry failed to uncover the true cause of the disaster but there was evidence that the Gunner had been in the magazines without permission and may have accidentally ignited the powder stored there.