Cristóbal Colón
Armored Cruiser · Spain · Lost 1898 · Cuba & the Greater Antilles
The fastest of Spain's Santiago squadron, run down along the Cuban coast and scuttled after a long chase by U.S. cruisers.
The Vessel and Her Loss
Cristóbal Colón was the last Spanish cruiser to be caught in the running battle that followed the 3 July 1898 sortie from Santiago de Cuba. Outpacing her sisters, she was eventually overhauled by USS Brooklyn and Oregon roughly 50 miles west of the harbor and driven ashore near the Río Turquino, where her crew scuttled her. Her loss completed the destruction of Admiral Cervera's squadron.
Vessel
- 1896
- Not established
- Genoa, Italy
- Steel
- 364 ft
- 60 ft
- 6840
- Steam, twin screw
- Spanish Navy
Loss
- July 3, 1898
- Enemy action
- Off the mouth of the Río Turquino, west of Santiago de Cuba
- Caribbean Sea
- Santiago de Cuba
- Not established
- Not established
- Not established
- Emilio Díaz Moreu
The Wreck Today
- Not established
- Grounded and scuttled; later broke apart in surf
- Not established
- Not established
- Not established
Position
- Not established
- Position not established
- Mouth of the Río Turquino, near Santiago de Cuba
Evidence
Overall confidence: Documented (78/100)
Exact wreck position and present condition are not established in the sources reviewed.
Naval History and Heritage Command
Chase narrative and outcome.
Spanish-American War Centennial Website
Ship background and captain detail.
