Medusa Shipwreck (Part 1)

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Sep 22, 2025

Dive into the harrowing tale of the French frigate Medusa's doomed mission to Senegal in 1816. Discover the disastrous grounding on Arguin Reef and the chaos that ensued aboard the ship. As trust in Captain Chamaret crumbled, the desperate struggle for survival on the infamous raft led to violence and even cannibalism. Learn about the miraculous rescue and the artistic legacy left behind, highlighting Théodore Géricault's haunting depiction of the tragedy. A gripping mix of history and human drama awaits!

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INSIGHT

Treaty Sparked Rapid Colonial Return

The 1814 Treaty of Paris returned Senegal to France and ignored indigenous peoples' interests.
That political reset spurred a rushed French effort to reestablish colonial control in 1816.

ANECDOTE

Inexperienced Captain Rewarded For Loyalty

The Medusa's captain, Hugues Duroy de Chaumareys, had not commanded a ship in over 20 years.
He won the post as a royalist reward despite clear doubts about his seamanship.

INSIGHT

Coastline Mapping Was Dangerously Incomplete

The West African coast remained poorly charted and hazardous, especially around the Arguin Bank.
That navigational uncertainty made the Senegal mission inherently risky even before leadership failures.

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The first episode of this two-parter covers the French mission to Senegal that the frigate Medusa led in 1816. Soon, the mission fell disastrously apart.

Research:

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