The Secret Stash of the Pirate Henry Every in the Indian Ocean

Henry Every, also known as Long Ben, remains one of history’s most notorious pirates, infamous for his audacious attacks and the treasures he amassed during the late 17th century. Operating primarily in the Indian Ocean, Every’s exploits are shrouded in a veil of legend, with his greatest claim to fame being his reputed treasure stash.

Henry Every: A Brief Biography

Henry Every was born circa 1659 in England, although precise details regarding his early life remain enigmatic. He served as a sailor in various capacities before he turned to piracy. His activity began gaining notice when he became captain of the “Fancy,” a vessel well-equipped for plundering due to its fast sailing capabilities and superior firepower.

Every’s piracy commenced in the late 1690s, a tumultuous time for maritime trade in the Indian Ocean, which was fraught with wealth but also peril. His ascension was marked by a bold raid on the Mughal ship “Ganj-i-Sawai” in 1695, which was owned by the Grand Mughal Aurangzeb. This single heist would not only bolster his wealth but also cement his infamous reputation among sailors and soldiers alike.

The Raid on the Ganj-i-Sawai

The attack on the Ganj-i-Sawai occurred on September 7, 1695, near the coast of India, specifically around the island of Saint Mary, Madagascar. The Ganj-i-Sawai was laden with unimaginable riches, including gold, silver, and other precious goods, accumulated by the Mughal Empire through trade. Sailors aboard Every’s ship engaged in fierce combat against the more powerful Mughal ship, ultimately succeeding against overwhelming odds.

Reports suggest that Every’s crew seized treasure valued at approximately £600,000 of the period, an astronomical sum that would be valued in millions today. The conflict not only marked a significant victory for Every but also led to international scrutiny and a noteworthy manhunt for the pirate and his crew.

The Aftermath of Piracy

After his successful raid, Every and his crew fled to the Bahamas, but not before parting ways with the treasure. He became a fugitive, hunted by naval forces deployed by the East India Company and the British government, both of which sought to restore order and trade security in the region.

Every’s life post-plunder is laden with uncertainty; he vanished from historical records, leaving behind a treasure sought by many adventurers and historians alike. His discreet exit has led to speculation about whether he hid part of his wealth somewhere and the key to his treasure remains a sought-after mystery.

The Legend of Every’s Lost Treasure

The rich history surrounding Every’s plundering must be understood in its broader historical context. During this period, piracy flourished in the Caribbean and later spread to the Indian Ocean, with many seeking fortune in the agricultural wealth and trade routes that crisscrossed this pivotal region.

Speculations on the Treasure’s Location

The whereabouts of Henry Every’s treasure are a topic of intrigue and speculation. Several theories suggest various hideouts for the vast amounts of wealth he secured. Some of the most discussed potential locations include:

Saint Mary Island, Madagascar – A notorious hideout for pirates during the Golden Age of Piracy, combining safe coves and access to trade routes.
The Andaman Islands – Evocative land among pirates, sometimes claimed as a refuge with plenty of secluded bays.
Near the coast of Somalia – With its rugged terrain, this area made suitable for clandestine activities for pirates.
The Arabian Sea – Known for its historical maritime routes, compiling multiple islands that could potentially hide treasures.

Historical Accounts

Accounts from the period hint at the potential hiding places of Every’s treasure. The East India Company began instituting stringent measures to combat piracy, and every ship that came ashore was inspected rigorously. This pressure likely pushed many pirates, including Every, to more remote and secure locations to stash their gold.

Historical texts, including those written by contemporary figures such as Captain Charles Johnson, provide anecdotal evidence of hidden caches and secret stashes linked to Every. His narratives often tracked the exploits of piracy, embellishing and providing tantalizing clues regarding the rumored treasure. However, these accounts must be taken with caution, as embellishment and folklore may overshadow truth.

Treasure Hunting Efforts

Over the years, treasure hunters and archaeologists have embarked on numerous expeditions aimed at unveiling the hidden riches of Every. While some efforts have yielded spectacular finds of historical significance, none have conclusively located Every’s stash. The most notable expeditions focused on:

Explorations of Saint Mary Island led by adventurers and treasure hunters funded by historical societies.
Marine archaeology initiatives in the Andaman Islands, also visited by enthusiasts intrigued by Every’s legacy.
Research expeditions combing through period maritime logs to find potential treasure maps.
Locals diving off the coasts of Madagascar, looking for remnants of pirate ships or sunken loot.

The Historical Context of Piracy in the Indian Ocean

The late 17th and early 18th centuries witnessed a restructuring of global trade routes, making the Indian Ocean a commercially desirable hotspot. The region boasted precious resources, including spices, textiles, and precious metals. As nations expanded their colonies, piracy along trade routes intensified. The rise of the East India Company showcased the lucrative potential of the Indian trade, igniting pirate interest, inherently increasing tension between naval powers and pirates.

Economic Motivations for Piracy

The motivations for piracy in the early modern period were profoundly influenced by the economic climate. Pirates like Henry Every were driven by:

The immense wealth associated with maritime trade – Large ships carried fortunes in cargo that were appealing targets for pirates.
The prevalence of economic strife in naval nations, leading many to seek fortunes through alternative means.
Geopolitical tensions that raised opportunity levels to raid enemy vessels.

Cultural Impact of Piracy

The cultural ramifications of piracy extended beyond mere economic advancement. Every and his fellow pirates became larger-than-life figures, inspiring myths that were propagated throughout literature and lore. The romanticization of piracy during this period underscored the allure of adventure paired with danger.

Every’s storied life and ambiguous fate formed the cornerstone of many tales, turning him into a legendary figure whose name remains synonymous with piracy even centuries later. The interplay of these stories with regional folklore continues to contribute to his mystique and the unending search for his lost fortune.

Modern Interpretations and Discoveries

In contemporary settings, the tale of Henry Every fosters ongoing interest in maritime archaeology and historical treasure hunting. The blend of history, adventure, and the possibility of hidden wealth captivates treasure hunters, historians, and the general public. Modern technologies, such as advanced sonar mapping and underwater archaeology techniques, have revitalized interest in locating Every’s cache of treasure.

Technological Advancements in Treasure Hunting

Numerous modern expeditions rely on sophisticated technology to uncover hidden treasures in maritime settings. Merely relying on paper records is replaced by:

Advanced sonar scanning equipment that allows treasure hunters to explore the seafloor with precision.
Underwater drones equipped with high-definition cameras to examine shipwreck sites previously considered inaccessible.
GIS and GPS technologies for navigation and mapping previously explored areas.

Ongoing Research and Academic Interest

Academics continue to explore the era of piracy, studying its socio-economic impacts and cultural narratives. Various historical societies are dedicated to examining the lore of Henry Every, aiming to piece together fragments of his story through historical records, maritime logs, and environmental studies of targeted regions in the Indian Ocean.

Some universities even offer specialized courses that underline the importance of piracy in maritime history, encouraging new generations to investigate the remarkable tapestry of maritime adventures and explore the potential of discovering lost treasures.

Conclusion

Henry Every is a captivating figure who embodies the spirit of adventure and the allure of wealth interwoven with the peril of the piracy of his time. The legend of his treasure, hidden somewhere in the vastness of the Indian Ocean, continues to inspire treasure hunters and historians alike. While many expeditions have yet to unveil the fabled riches, the enduring mystery of Every’s Secret Stash evokes continued interest in the complexities of piracy and maritime history. The tale of Henry Every, replete with valor, greed, and adventure, ensures that his legacy endures, intertwining with the ever-evolving narrative of treasure hunting.

The Secret Stash of the Pirate Henry Every in the Indian Ocean