Throughout naval history during times of war the ships involved in battles, blockades and other patrol missions would often result in the capture of enemy ships or those of a neutral country. If a ship proved to be a valuable prize efforts would sometimes be made to capture the vessel with inflicting the least amount of damage as was practically possible. Both military and merchant ships were captured, often renamed and then used in the service of the capturing country's navy, or in some other utility capacity for that country. As an incentive to search far and wide for enemy ships cargoes on board these vessels were often divided up and awarded to the capturing crew members. Throughout the 1800s war prize laws were established to help opposing countries settle claims amicably. Private shi