First Battle of Svensksund - Aftermath

Aftermath

Swedish losses in total were 3 turuma archipelago frigates, 1 hemmema archipelago frigate, 1 light frigate, 1 galley, 1 half-galley, 1 schooner, 9 gun sloops and 30 transport and auxiliary vessels. Total number of men died, wounded or captured during the battle was roughly 1500 in addition to a field hospital formed for 500 sick which Swedes were unable to evacuate in their hasty withdrawal. Russian losses were in the end only 1 galley and 1 gun sloop, both of which blew up. Russians managed to recapture all ships from Balle's squadron that Swedes captured early in the battle. Total number of casualties (KIA, WIA and captured) was 1100.

Though Russians had gained a clear victory they had failed to inflict decisive defeat on the Swedish archipelago fleet. One of the reasons for this was the delayed attack by Nassau-Siegen which allowed Swedes to defeat Ivan Balle's squadron. Inactivity of the initially beaten Balle's squadron during the later phase of the battle allowed most of the Swedish fleet to reach the safety of Svartholm fortress and regroup for later battles. The small galley force commanded by Giulio Litta that was able to navigate the shallow yet unobstructed narrow between Tiutine and Koiromsari was crucial factor in Russian success at Svensksund.

There are several reasons for the Swedish defeat. Ehrensvärd's preparations for defense were hampered by King Gustav III's opposition to his plan which delayed the construction of the obstacles in the straits opening towards Frederikshamn which made it possible for the Russians to clear them so quickly. On the other hand Ehrensvärd's decision not to blockade the narrow between Tiutine and Koiromsari due to his belief that it was too shallow to navigate was to prove a crucial error. Furthermore the area had been improperly sounded as proven by the several ships that run aground during the battle even though Svensksund had been selected as a battleground by the Swedes far in advance of the fight. Yet had the king allowed Ehrensvärd to withdraw to Svartholm after defeating Balle's squadron like Ehrensvärd had planned in the first place Swedes would have won a solid victory at Svensksund already in 1789. When King Gustav III gave the order to fight against the main force of the Russian coastal fleet he had already been made aware that fleet was running low on ammunition. Swedish performance was also greatly affected by the successful Russian blockade at Porkala which kept 2 archipelago frigates, roughly 20 galleys and several gun sloops and yawls away from the Svensksund still in August 1789.