Her design followed a standard architectural plan for 8-pounder frigates pioneered by shipwright Antoine Groignard, including increased stowage and a strengthened frame for longer service at sea.

On 1 May a landing at Saint Ouen, Jersey was thwarted by local militia and a detachment of Seaforth Highlanders, and the decision was made to return the fleet to Saint-Malo.

The frigate Diane raised sail escaped into the port but Danae and the four small craft were run aground, with their crews then fleeing overland.

The British, commanded by Sir James Wallace in the 50-gun Royal Navy vessel HMS Experiment, silenced the battery and then went ashore to refloat Danae and three other craft.

Second, recent advances in frigate design had left Danae slower and less seaworthy than her contemporaries in British service, being more than 100 tons burthen larger than similar vessels without notable improvements in durability.