A tinted lithograph of a dramatic scene in the harbour of Gibraltar on the night of 26th August 1843. The recently arrived US Navy paddle frigate Missouri has burst into flames after a spillage of turpentine in a storeroom. Roaring flames are engulfing the ship, burning in the rigging to the top of the masts and issuing from the gunports. A starboard gun has exploded and the main mast is about to topple over the port side. The ship is surrounded by naval cutters packed with the crew and others drawn to their assistance. Sailors are resting on their oars to survey the scene while officers are standing up and gesticulating. A bear can be seen clinging to the fallen spanker boom. This is mentioned in the inscription as not surviving the disaster. Other vessels, steam and sail, can be seen in the background, as can the fort at Gibraltar.