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Tierra del Fuego: Of Sailors and Savages (1851—1900)
Contacts between ships and natives groups, as reported in the English-language press

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Introduction

Methodology

Conclusions

GOLDEN HIND [1872]

Article title	Shipwreck. Fearful sufferings	Ship	Ship, frigate, USA
Source	New York Times, 15 January 1873	Date of event	1872
More info.	http://patlibros.org/pch/goldenhind.php	Location	West coast of Tierra del Fuego
Article	Transcript	Informant	John Saville, First officer

Abstract: After prolonged gales, the Golden Hind lost its rudder and ran aground on the West coast of Tierra del Fuego.The crew abandoned ship in three boats, two of which were soon lost. The survivors, without any instruments, attempted to head for the Magellan Strait and the safety of Punta Arenas. One encounter with a native canoe yielded little food. Debilitated by cold and hunger, the group's progress became slower, until they were unable to advance further. Deaths occurred. In their hunger and desperation, the survivors fed on the flesh of their companions, eventually being rescued by a passing sealer.

Assessment: The officer's statement is fairly comprehensive in its description of the wreck, and subsequent events. The group met one native canoe: the encounter was peaceful and the natives were helpful, but this did little to alleviate the group's food shortage.