The Forgotten 160 Slaves on a Dangerous Tiny Island in 1761
In the annals of human history, few stories are as heart-wrenching and haunting as the tragedy that unfolded on Tromelin Island in 1761. This remote, desolate sandbank in the Indian Ocean became the unwilling home to 160 enslaved Malagasy people
The Shipwreck of the French Slave Ship Saint-Géran
In 1761, the French slave ship Saint-Géran, carrying over 160 enslaved Africans, was sailing through the Indian Ocean. The ship encountered a violent storm, which caused it to crash against the reefs of a small, desolate island now known as Tromelin Island. The island, located between Madagascar and Mauritius, offered no shelter, food, or fresh water—only barren land surrounded by the vast ocean. The ship sank, leaving the enslaved Africans, along with a small crew, stranded on the island.
Abandonment of the Enslaved People
After the shipwreck, the survivors—mainly the French crew and some enslaved Africans—managed to escape the wreckage. However, as the situation worsened, the crew decided to abandon the remaining 160 enslaved Africans on the island, believing there was no hope of rescue. These enslaved individuals were left without food, water, or any means of survival. The crew sailed away, leaving them to their fate, stranded on a dangerous, uninhabited island.
The Struggle for Survival Begins
With no fresh water or food, the survivors had to rely on their resourcefulness to stay alive. The island, which consisted mainly of coral rock, offered no means of sustenance. The enslaved Africans faced starvation, dehydration, and extreme isolation. They tried to survive by attempting to catch fish and collecting rainwater, but many perished due to the harsh conditions. This marked the beginning of their struggle for survival on Tromelin Island, where only a few would ultimately survive.
The Resilience of the Enslaved People
As days turned to months, the resilience of enslaved people was put to the ultimate test. The survivors faced constant hardships. They had to endure the burning sun, lack of food, and the constant threat of dehydration. Despite these extreme conditions, some enslaved individuals managed to hold on to their lives, relying on their ingenuity and collective will to stay alive. Over time, their numbers dwindled, but the strength of the survivors kept them going, fighting against all odds.
The Arrival of Rescue: A Year Later
After more than a year of isolation, a French ship passed near the island. When the crew saw signs of life on Tromelin Island, they landed to investigate. To their astonishment, they discovered that some of the Tromelin Island shipwreck survivors had survived the harsh conditions, though only a handful remained. The enslaved individuals were rescued and taken aboard the ship, but many others had perished due to the brutality of their environment.
The Forgotten History of Tromelin Island
The tragic events of Tromelin Island history remained largely forgotten for centuries. The island became a symbol of the forgotten slaves Tromelin who were abandoned and left to die. While the survivors were rescued, the historical significance of their suffering went unnoticed for generations. It wasn't until the 20th century that Tromelin Island archaeology uncovered the remains of the enslaved Africans, bringing their stories back into the light and giving them the recognition they deserved.
