point reyes shipwreck
rumors of drake s discovery of safe harbor on california coast intrigued spanish. trade between philippines , mexico booming, , seeking safe harbors along route. many believe drake s discovery of such harbor inspired spanish order sebastian rodriguez cermeno, portuguese captain trading spain, survey california coast on journey mexico philippines in 1595. commanding san agustin, manilla galleon laden luxury cargo of chinese silks, spices, , ming porcelain bound acapulco, cermeno endured both first of hundreds of documented shipwrecks @ point reyes, 1 of amazing journeys safety.
struggling decrepit, heavily laden ship , tired, rebellious crew wanted go home, cermeno explored california coast, anchoring near point reyes inlet called drakes estero. within few days, november storm beached ship listed , relentlessly pounded furious surf. broke apart, killing several men , dumping precious cargo, of collected, , used, local coast miwok tribesmen.
cermeno salvaged small, open launch, likened large canoe, , loaded 70 surviving crew members begin long journey home. after grueling two-month voyage, remembered remarkable feat of seamanship, cermeno , crew arrived safely in acapulco in january 1596. despite amazing journey, cermeno received no celebratory welcome, had not lost ship , cargo, had failed locate safe harbor ordered find.
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