Wager Island's Castaways: Survival and Strife
What would you do if you were stranded on a remote island after a shipwreck? How far would you go to survive?
In David Grann's book The Wager, he recounts the harrowing tale of survival and conflict on Wager Island. This gripping narrative follows the crew of the HMS Wager as they face unimaginable challenges after their ship runs aground off the coast of Chile in 1741.
Keep reading to discover how the survivors of the Wager shipwreck battled nature, each other, and their own demons in their fight for survival on Wager Island's unforgiving shores.
The Wager's Fateful Journey
In the 18th century, the HMS Wager set sail on a secret mission fraught with peril. As part of Commodore Anson's squadron, the ship left Portsmouth with the ambitious goal of capturing a prized Spanish galleon. But the journey was doomed from the start, ultimately leading to a shipwreck on what would become known as Wager Island. This remote and unforgiving place would set the stage for an extraordinary tale of survival and conflict.
The Wager, a former East Indiaman modified for battle, faced numerous setbacks before even leaving England. Icy conditions on the Thames delayed its departure, and the crew was a motley assortment of forcibly enlisted men, many weakened by illness or age.
As the ship finally embarked on its voyage, it encountered treacherous conditions around Cape Horn. Known as the "Terrible," this southernmost tip of South America lived up to its reputation. Massive swells, strong currents, and harsh weather battered the Wager mercilessly.
Disaster Strikes
The Wager's fate was sealed as it approached the Chilean coastline. Isolated from the rest of the fleet, the ship struggled against relentless waves. Water flooded the hull, the steering mechanism shattered, and improvised sails replaced collapsed masts.
In a final, devastating blow, the Wager succumbed to the tempest. Trapped between two enormous rock faces, the ship broke apart, leaving a small group of survivors to face the harsh realities of life on an unforgiving island.
Life on Wager Island
Building a Community
The survivors of the Wager shipwreck found themselves on a desolate island, facing the immediate challenges of cold and dwindling food supplies. They quickly realized the need to establish a camp to maintain some semblance of naval order.
Their first priority was finding sustenance. The survivors scavenged for mussels and snails along the coast, and a fortunate discovery of a beef barrel from the sunken ship provided much-needed nourishment. But with relentless rain and frigid conditions, shelter became equally crucial for survival.
Captain Cheap, determined to establish a British stronghold, oversaw the construction of various dwellings. From simple lean-tos to thatch-covered huts, the survivors created a makeshift community. They even established a main street, complete with a medical center and water collection facilities. The Wager's bell, salvaged from the wreck, now served to signal assembly and meal times.
Rising Tensions
As time passed, maintaining peace among the stranded group became increasingly difficult. Captain Cheap fortified his quarters, creating a fortress that hinted at potential conflict. Meanwhile, Bulkeley, another survivor, began amassing weapons and forming his own power base.
The fragile peace on the island shattered as armed factions formed on the outskirts of Cheap's stronghold. Thefts, complaints, and whispers of coups led to harsh punishments, including floggings and banishment. The departure of the native Kawésqar people, who possessed crucial survival skills, further hindered the English survivors' progress.
Escape Attempts
Building the Speedwell
Despite internal conflicts, some castaways focused their efforts on escaping the island. Led by Cummins, the ship's carpenter, they worked tirelessly to convert the Wager's longboat into a seaworthy vessel. This task was fraught with danger, as the survivors faced the constant threats of starvation and execution for insubordination.
Once completed, the newly christened Speedwell was loaded with supplies and set sail. However, controlling the overcrowded and barely seaworthy craft proved challenging. The journey quickly became perilous, with the boat struggling against severe weather and treacherous currents.
Braving the Open Sea
The Speedwell and its companion vessels faced numerous challenges as they set out. Harsh weather and unpredictable currents threatened to capsize their fragile crafts. The survivors were forced to jettison supplies to stay afloat, huddling together on cold, hard rock as they battled the elements.
Despite some initial success in navigating with the winds, the relentless force of the sea ultimately forced the group to return to Wager Island. Undeterred, Bulkeley's team made another attempt, facing the perilous waters between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. With limited food and water, they worked together towards their shared goal of reaching the port of Rio Grande.
Conflicting Narratives
Tales of Survival
The aftermath of the Wager incident spawned a complex tapestry of narratives from those involved. Diaries, letters, and ship logs tell diverse stories of the survivors' experiences. Some accounts describe sailors stealing from superiors and mocking their leaders, indicating a breakdown in the naval chain of command.
John Bulkeley's personal logbook proved crucial in providing various perspectives on the daily events on the island. It captured not only the harsh realities of survival but also the difficult decisions faced by the castaways.
Shaping the Historical Record
As survivors of the Wager disaster grappled with their experiences, some attempted to influence the emerging accounts. Bulkeley meticulously crafted a narrative aimed at shaping the perspectives of maritime authorities and the broader public. His account, exchanged for a significant sum of money and subsequently published, deeply influenced public opinion and laid the groundwork for the historical narrative of the Wager incident.
The Admiralty's Response
Military Tribunal
The Admiralty convened a military tribunal to sift through the conflicting testimonies and uncover the truth. The judicial process brought to light various accusations, including mutinous meetings, contempt for authority, and even murder. Defendants sought to clear their names, with some choosing to omit crucial incidents.
The outcomes of these proceedings were varied. Captain David Cheap continued his naval career with support from influential figures, while others faced disciplinary measures or consequences.
Broader Implications
The Wager incident and its subsequent investigation revealed underlying tensions within the British Empire's command structure. It highlighted the fragile nature of leadership in crisis situations and the strained relationships between officers and enlisted sailors in the imperial fleet.
The empire's reluctance to confront its own disciplinary issues became evident in the naval command's deliberate exclusion of certain reports and their lenient stance towards seemingly insubordinate actions.
Legacy of the Wager
Naval Reforms
The experiences of Admiral George Anson, including the Wager incident, proved instrumental in reshaping Britain's naval dominance. Anson is credited with establishing a structured naval service and founding a lasting sea force. The understanding that vessels with improved crew welfare and morale operated more efficiently likely prompted these changes.
Cultural Impact
The Wager incident left an indelible mark on maritime literature and culture. Lord Byron referenced his grandfather's Narrative in his literary works, while publications like Anson's Voyage Round the World captivated global audiences and influenced prominent figures such as Rousseau.
These narratives played a crucial role in shaping the historical account of the British Empire, potentially influencing the tactics and methods employed by the British Navy. The complex intertwining of the Royal Navy's legacy with British colonial pursuits demonstrates the far-reaching impact of the Wager's ill-fated journey and its aftermath on Wager Island.