The convoy transporting five hundred new colonists…
July 1609 CE
The convoy transporting five hundred new colonists and supplies across the Atlantic Ocean runs into a strong and massive storm, possibly a hurricane, which lasts for three days.
The Sea Venture and one other ship are separated from the seven other vessels of the fleet.
Admiral Somers, who had had previous experience sailing with both Sir Francis Drake and Sir Walter Raleigh, has the Sea Venture deliberately driven onto the reefs of Bermuda to prevent her sinking, leaving the survivors in possession of a new territory. (William Shakespeare's play The Tempest is thought to have been inspired by William Strachey's account of this shipwreck.)
One hundred and fifty passengers and crew members all land safely on July 28, 1609, but the ship is now permanently damaged.
The island is claimed for the English Crown, and the charter of the Virginia Company will be extended to include it.
Locations
People
Groups
Commodities
Subjects
Regions
Northern North America
View →Subregions
