CABO
VERDI (THE SALT ISLANDS)
The
Archipelago, is volcanic in origin,
a small group of ten? Main islands, interspersed with a
number of small islets, laying some three hundred miles
off the coast of Senegal west Africa. The 1742 French chart
of the islands, above, clearly show them as two groups,
one to the north, laying west to east and the southern group
laying north to south.
Click
on the picture for a close up view
The
southern group possess the islands laying on Latitude 15*15**
these being Santiago, the main or capital Island of the
group as a whole, and Maio its closest, yet smaller neighbour.
Curiously
the French chart also shows three wrecks, marked, off the
North coast of Maio. Coincidentally, the Skeleton Island
Chart, shows Galleon wrecks, in a similar position?
The
French chart also shows a rock or reef, lying off the north
west coast of Maio, midway between it, and its northern
neighbour Boa Vista. However on modern sea charts this reef
is shown as ten metres below sea level at lowest tide.
Coincidentally!! yet again, Skeleton island chart, shows
boylers (waves on reef) off its north west coast? This
'Rock' or reef, was well known to the Portuguese, who charted
the islands, this knowledge however, didn't allow for the
Canary current, a strong
south westerly flow, of some 1.5 knots, add in a strong
south westerly wind and a dense sea mist, not uncommon in
the area. The rock is just sitting there, waiting, if a
ship hits, the crew, dependent on damage sustained, either
make hasty repairs to the damaged timbers, or prepare to
abandon the vessel, if time, tide and weather permit.
Initially the
crew, would try to lighten the vessel, by heaving cannon
and heavy items overboard, thinking about it, there must
be a massive debris trail between the 'Rock' and Maio. Why?
Well, Maio and Santiago are the closest landfall for
any ship, damaged on the Rock and being driven by a south
westerly wind, Santiago has a rugged east coast line, sheer
cliffs rise up from the rocky shore, quite a number
of ships have come to grief on that coast. Maio on the other
hand is much closer and with its abundant sandy coastline
makes a more tempting landfall. But what exactly was there
fate, did they make a safe landfall, or were they butchered
or enslaved and there cargo pirated?
So
Lets see what these target Islands have to offer.
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