Madagascar has a rich history of piracy dating back to the 17th and 18th centuries. The rugged coastline, numerous hidden coves, and the strategic location of the island made it an ideal shelter for pirates seeking refuge and a base for their activities.
During the Golden Age of Piracy, which lasted from the late 17th century to the early 18th century, Madagascar became a hotspot for pirates. The island’s proximity to key trade routes made it a strategic location for pirates to launch attacks on passing ships.
One of the most infamous pirate shelters in Madagascar was the island of Île Sainte-Marie.
This small island became a bustling pirate enclave, attracting notorious figures such as William Kidd, Thomas Tew, and Olivier Levasseur, also known as La Buse. Pirates used Île Sainte-Marie as a base to repair their ships, divide their spoils, and enjoy a carefree lifestyle in the midst of the Indian Ocean.
Pirate communities flourished on Île Sainte-Marie, with makeshift settlements, taverns, and hidden caches for stolen treasures. The pirates formed a loose society, complete with their own code of conduct and governance. They established a system of democracy, where captains were elected by the crew, and decisions were made collectively.
The pirates of Madagascar were not only skilled seafarers but also great fighters. They often used fast and maneuverable ships, such as sloops and brigantines, which allowed them to navigate the stormy waters around the island and escape from larger ships.
The end of the Golden Age of Piracy saw increased efforts by European naval powers to eliminate piracy. As a result, Madagascar’s pirate shelters gradually declined, and by the mid-18th century, piracy in the region had largely come to an end.
Despite their criminal activities, the pirates of Madagascar left their mark on the island’s history. Today, their legacy is remembered through stories, legends, and the remnants of pirate hideouts that dot the coasts of Île Sainte-Marie and other parts of Madagascar
the only pirate cemetery in the world is in Île Sainte-Marie
The tales of these daring seafarers continue to capture the imagination, adding a touch of mystique to the island’s history.