On 23 February 1809 "Donegal" was part of a squadron under Rear-Admiral Stopford, when they chased three enemy frigates into the Sable d'Olonne, leading to the Battle of Les Sables-d'Olonne. was able to anchor within half a mile of them, whilst "Donegal" and had to anchor further out because of their deeper draughts. Their combined fire eventually forced two of the frigates to run ashore, whilst "Donegal" suffered one man killed and six wounded in the engagement. By April 1809 "Donegal" was sailing with Admiral James Gambier's fleet in the Basque Roads. During the Battle of the Basque Roads, "Donegal"s first-lieutenant James Askey commanded the fire ship "Hercule" in the attack on the French fleet, with the assistance of midshipman Charles Falkiner, also of "Donegal".