Portuguese seizure of Central Powers' ships

Portuguese seizure of German and Austro-Hungarian ships (1916)
Part of World War I

Raising of the Portuguese flag on a German steamship by the Portuguese Navy
Date23 February – 9 March 1916
Location
Result

Portuguese victory

Belligerents
Portugal
Supported by:
 United Kingdom
 German Empire
 Austria-Hungary
Commanders and leaders
Leote do Rego
Bobela da Mota
Ludolf Carstens (POW)
Bechtinger Telesforo (POW)
…and others
Strength
9 ships 75 ships
Casualties and losses
Unknown 72 ships captured
177 imprisoned

The Portuguese seizure of Central Powers' ships in 1916 was a naval operation resulting in the confiscation of 72 Austro-Hungarian and German ships by the First Portuguese Republic. Led by Captain Jaime Daniel Leote do Rego, these actions marked Portugal's entry into World War I.