On 12 July 1814 "Syren" while cruising off the West African coast encountered the British ship a 74-gun third rate ship of the line under the command of Captain Augustus Brine. Heavily outgunned, "Syren" attempted to run. After an 11-hour chase "Medway" captured her despite "Syren" having lightened her load by throwing overboard her guns, anchors and boats. During her last voyage she had captured or sunk several British merchantmen. Among the prisoners was Samuel Leech, who later wrote an account of his experiences.