HMS Vulture was one of three 6-gun, steam-powered Cyclops-class second-class paddle frigates built for the Royal Navy in the 1840s.
She was initially deployed to the East Indies where she participated in actions against China and then played a minor role in the Crimean War of 1854–1855.
Vulture was first commissioned in February 1845 for the East Indies, and completed fitting for sea (for a further £9,173) at Sheerness Dockyard until 7 June 1845.
[4] On 27 August 1855, she ran aground off Hanko Head, Grand Duchy of Finland whilst towing a vessel from Nargen to Farosund.
Vulture was refloated and escorted by HMS Perseverance to Malta, where she arrived on 21 February in a leaky condition.