 The Persian Gulf Campaign , in 1809 , was an operation by a British Royal Navy to force the Al Qasimi to cease their raids on British ships in the Persian Gulf , particularly on the Persian and Arab coasts of the Straits of Hormuz . The operation 's success was limited as the Royal Navy forces , already heavily involved in the Napoleonic Wars , were unable to permanently suppress the strong fleets of the Al Qasimi of Ras Al Khaimah and Sharjah . The expedition did achieve its short @-@ term goals by destroying three Al Qasimi bases and over 80 vessels , including the largest Al Qasimi ship in the region , the converted merchant ship Minerva . Although operations continued into 1810 , the British were unable to destroy every Al Qasimi vessel and by 1811 attacks had resumed , although at a lower intensity than previously . 
