HMS Viper was a 10-gun Cherokee-class brig-sloop of the Royal Navy, launched in 1831. Initially assigned to anti-slavery patrols off West Africa, she later saw service in the Mediterranean and the Black Sea during the Crimean War. The ship was involved in various operations, including the bombardment of Sebastopol and the capture of the Russian steamship Vesta. HMS Viper was also used for surveying duties in the Mediterranean and was eventually sold for scrap in 1867. Throughout her service, the ship faced challenges such as outbreaks of disease among crew members and encounters with enemy vessels. Despite these adversities, HMS Viper played a significant role in the Royal Navy's operations during the 19th century, showcasing the versatility and importance of brig-sloops in naval warfare and exploration during that era.

This description has been generated using GPT-3.5-TURBO based on the Vessel's wikidata information and then modified by ShipIndex.org staff.