Bloody Bay

Dawnbreaker
Lars Alfredson
Sat 30 Apr 2022 19:40

Next stop

NEGRIL: Bloody Bay and Long Bay 18o20.75N 078o20.604W at entrance of Bloody Bay
This should be called “PARADISE LOST” bay, as it is so beautiful that it makes your head spin; at least it spins mine. White sand beaches and a very protected anchorage. Pristine waters to swim in. The anchorage is just “under” N. Negril Point. It is in 10ft of water with a sand bottom that provides good holding. From the anchorage, heading south along the bay, the distance is approximately 4 miles and terminates at Negril town. If you make the passage from Bloody Bay to Negril, unless you own a catamaran do not pass behind Booby Cay as the water is 6ft or less in spots. Take the “outside passage.” The anchorage at Bloody Bay got its name because whalers used to anchor here to clean their catch and so much whale blood was spilled that the water turned red. This anchorage is also where Jack Rackham (Calico Jack), the famous pirate was captured in 1720. He had with him two of the most famous woman pirates in pirate history. Mary Reade and Anne Bonney were both known for their quick tempers and ability with sword and pistol. Allegedly they complained to Jack after their capture that had he being doing his job, rather than getting drunk, the outcome would have been different. Jack and his crew were all hanged under British justice, but the woman pleaded their bellies as both were pregnant at the time. Both were spared as under British law pregnant women could not be hanged. The stories of their lives afterwards vary. Some say Mary died of fever with her unborn child. Others say she feigned death to escape. Anne gave birth to her child and there is no record thereafter of her being executed. Many say she lived out her life with her child after returning to England. Still others say she remained in the Caribbean. And yet others say she lived out her life with Mary and their children in Louisiana; the happy ending! While you are anchored in this storied spot, as you drift off for your afternoon nap in the cockpit of your boat, you can dream of what it must have been like for Jack and Mary and Anne as they fought against the British right in this anchorage. If you’re curious about further fascinating details, check out this Smithsonian article complete with extensive source materials: http://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/if-theres-a-man-among-ye-the-tale-of-pirate-queens-anne-bonny-and-mary-read-45576461/?n

Obrigado / thank you

Thomas

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