HMS Cormorant was an Osprey-class sloop launched at Chatham on 12 September 1877 and later the receiving ship at Gibraltar.

Of 1,130 tons displacement and approximately 950 indicated horsepower (710 kW), they were capable of approximately 11 knots (20 km/h; 13 mph) and were armed with two 7-inch muzzle-loading rifled guns on pivoting mounts, and four 64-pounder guns (two on pivoting mounts, and two broadside).

[1] The primary purpose of ships of the class was to maintain British naval dominance through trade protection, anti-slavery, and surveying.

[3] On 20 July 1887 she became the first vessel to use the newly built graving dock at the Esquimalt Royal Navy Dockyard.

Lieutenant Arthur Hope Fanshawe was appointed in command of the Cormorant and torpedo boats at Gibraltar on 7 March 1900.