Patagonia Bookshelf
Contacts between ships and natives groups, as reported in the English-language press
PRINCESS LOUISA [1871]
| Article title | Wrecks and massacres in the Straits of Magellan | Ship | Ship, steam-tug, Glasgow (Scotland) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Source | Empire (NSW), 10 August 1871 | Date of event | 1871 |
| More info. | Article includes story of the Propontis | Location | Port Gallant, Magellan Strait |
| Article | Transcript | Informant | Joseph Lorritz, young seaman |
Abstract: The captain of the Princess Louisa determined to avenge the death of the men of the Propontis, murdered by natives at Port Gallant a few months before. Upon meeting a group of canoes there, he killed the majority of the occupants, with one canoe escaping. That same night, after the ship wrecked, the crew were attacked and killed or captured. Three weeks later, one sailor escaped under cover of darkness. The fate of the remainder was unknown.
Assessment: The ship's captain was consciously responsible for the native deaths, by ramming one canoe and killing the occupants of a second canoe who attempted to board his ship. Much to his misfortune, the ship was lost almost immediately, whereupon all of the crew became liable to attack — whether in revenge, or simply by their vulnerability, is probably not relevant. The natives attacked by surprise, under cover of darkness. The informant was fortunate to escape in one of the ship's boats, and be rescued by a passing schooner.
Later Revision (8-I-2016): A subsequent report by the captain of the Princess Louise contradicts the testimony of Lorritz. It makes clear that (far from his being killed and the ship lost) the vessel continued on its way, and was successfully delivered to its destination of Valparaíso.