Pringle Stokes (23 April 1793 – 12 August 1828) was a British naval officer known for his voyages and exploration. He began his career as a midshipman in the Royal Navy and later served as a lieutenant on the HMS Owen Glendower, participating in voyages to South America and the West African coast to combat the African slave trade. In 1825, Stokes took command of the HMS Beagle, leading it on a voyage of exploration in the southern coast of South America. His objective description of the Fuegians, whom he encountered during the voyage, was unusual for a European of his time, as he attributed their primitive condition to the harsh climate. Despite his accomplishments, Stokes tragically took his own life in 1828, following a period of depression brought on by the challenging winter conditions of the Strait of Magellan. His contributions to naval exploration and his objective approach to describing indigenous peoples have left a lasting impact on maritime history.