HMS Avenger was a sloop-of-war, previously the civilian vessel Elizabeth, launched in 1801 at Bridlington.

The British Royal Navy purchased her in 1803 and commissioned her in October 1803 under Commander Francis Snell.

but she foundered in Heligoland Bight, off the Weser, on 5 December 1803; the crew were saved.

She took on board a pilot who proceeded, with confidence, to steer her south despite soundings indicating shallowing water.

[4] The court-martial on 18 January 1804 at Sheerness acquitted Commander Snell, his officers, and his crew of the loss of their vessel, but reprimanded the pilot for his ignorance.