Tagula Island > Vanatinai Tagula Island Papua New Guinea
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Luís Vaz de Torres had remained at Espritu Santo for fifteen days before opening sealed orders he had been given by the Viceroy of Peru.
These contained instructions on what course to follow if the ships became separated and who would be in command in the event of the loss of Pedro Fernandes de Queirós.
The orders appear to have listed Diego de Prado y Tovar as successor to Queirós, as he is capitan-entretenido (spare captain) on the voyage.
However, there is overwhelming evidence Torres remained in command, including Prado’s own account.
The San Pedro and Los Tres Reyes under Torres’ command on June 26, 1606 set sail for Manila.
Contrary winds had prevented the ships taking the more direct route along the north coast of New Guinea.
Prado’s account notes that they sighted land on July 14, 1606, which was probably the island of Tagula in the Louisiade Archipelago, south east of New Guinea.