The action of 24 February 1780 was a minor naval battle that took place off the island of Madeira during the American Revolutionary War.

Rodney then sailed for the West Indies in February, detaching part of the fleet for service in the English Channel.

[3] On 16 February 1780, a French convoy with troops and ammunition bound for India departed Lorient escorted by the 64-gun ship of the line Protée with Ajax, Éléphant and Charmante.

[1] Hopelessly outnumbered and out-gunned, Protée struck while Charmante returned to Lorient, arriving there on 3 March.

[4] For the British the booty was substantial, as well as the three transports, Protée was carrying £60,000 worth of silver with the prize money subsequently shared.