Juan Bautista Azopardo

Juan Bautista Azopardo (; 19 February 1772 – 23 October 1848) was a Maltese privateer and military man who fought under the flags of the Netherlands, Spain, and Argentina.

Early life Juan Bautista Azopardo was born in Senglea, Malta, the son of Rosina (née Romano) and Salvatore Azopardo. As a young man he studied naval architecture at the French arsenal in Toulon.

Privateer Azopardo served with the French and the British fleets, the latter under the command of Admiral John Jervis. He captained the tartanes San Antonio and Anime del Porgatorio. As of February 2023, the reason for the discrepancy in the number of slaves is obscure.

Next, Azopardo served as second in command of the privateer Dromedario. Dromedario, with Mordeille, master, sailed with a letter of marque from Montevideo. She was armed with 22 guns and had a crew of 350 men under the command of Hipólito Mordeille, with Azorpardo as second captain.

Spanish records report that in June 1805, Viceroy Sobremonte issued two letters of marque, one for Dolores (24 guns), Currand, master, and Berro y Errasquin, owner, and one for Dromedario (20 guns), Hippolito Mordel, master, and Canuerso y Masini, owner. The two sailed for the African coast, looking to capture enslaving ships. In three months of cruising Dolores captured three ships and one brig, carrying a total 600 enslaved people. Dromedario captured five ships, carrying a total of 500 enslaved people.

British Invasions of Buenos Aires (1806 - 1807) The ship Dromedario transported some of the troops which fought against the first British Invasion (1806) of Buenos Aires. Along with his captain and the rest of the Dromedario crew, they fought in the final assault on the British position in Buenos Aires where the remnants of the British forces under general Beresford were. During the second British invasion (1807) of Buenos Aires they transported artillery pieces on the Paraná River for the city's defense. For his valor and gallantry, the Spanish Royal government made him a Lieutenant Colonel of the urban militias.

After the surrender of Beresford's army, the Royal Navy enforced a blockade on the River Plate. This moved the Viceroyalty authorities to resort to privateers in order to harass British shipping. On 17 November 1806, in Buenos Aires, Santiago de Liniers gave him a letter of marque for La Mosca de Buenos Aires, of four guns and 60 men, built by Anselmo Saénz Valiente.

On 1 June 1807, the Mosca de Buenos Aires outran the brigs and as they chased her upriver. Later, two boats from the British warships attempted to seize Mosca de Buenos Aires in shallow waters. They failed, although they did manage to capture a Spanish sloop.

The letter of marque expired in 1808 whereupon Azopardo retired from privateering for the Spanish crown. A street in Buenos Aires is named after him. Several schools in Argentina are named Azopardo. Azopardo Point, in Santa Cruz Province, Argentina. Azopardo Lighthouse, in Azopardo Point, Santa Cruz, Argentina. Azopardo Rock, in Chubut Province, Argentina. Malta On 16 June 2001 a bust commemorating Azopardo was unveiled on Senglea's waterfront.