outgunned, Syren attempted to run. After an 11-hour chase Medway captured her despite Syren having lightened her load by throwing overboard her guns, anchors and boats. During her last voyage she had captured or sunk several British merchantmen. Among the prisoners was Samuel Leech, who later wrote an account of his experiences. According to Samuel Leech, after being captured the crew of Syren were taken to the Cape of Good Hope, and after landing at Simonstown, marched to a jail in Cape Town. Here they were held until transferred to England when the war was over. On arriving at Simonstown, other American prisoners were seen to be leaving the jail and being shipped off to Dartmoor. The Syren crew met these again in England while waiting for transfer to the United States. Some had been present at 'The Massacre'. British service history After her capture by the Royal Navy she had a figurehead of a mermaid installed. The Royal Navy used her as a lazaretto. She is no longer listed after 1815. References Bibliography Url External links USS Syren's plans Brigs of the United States Navy Barbary Wars American ships War of 1812 ships of the United States Ships built in Philadelphia Vessels captured from the United States Navy 1803 ships Captured ships