Gulf of Bomba

The Gulf of Bomba opens on the North African coast east of Derna. Its waters cut into the dry shores of Cyrenaica, providing a meeting place between the coastal road and ships arriving from the Mediterranean. During the First Barbary War, this isolated bay became a vital stopping point for an expedition marching west from Egypt against the ruler of Tripoli.

In April 1805 William Eaton's force reached Bomba short of provisions. The American brig Argus and sloop Hornet appeared offshore, bringing food, arms and money ashore farther along the coast. Replenished, the expedition continued to Derna, where it attacked on 27 April with support from American ships. The supplies landed near Bomba had made the final stage of the march possible.