Page 163 - Vol_2_Archaeology of Manila Galleon Seaport Trade

7 Archaeological Researches on the Manila … 133

Fig. 7.2 Nautical chart showing the San Bernardino Strait and the Galleon routes (Map generated
by QGIS)

7.3 Summary of Manila-Acapulco Galleon-Related
Surveys, Explorations and Excavations
by the Underwater Archaeology
Section of the National Museum

7.3.1 Espiritu Santo (1576) and San Geronimo (1601)

Espiritu Santo was an outbound Manila galleon that sunk in the vicinity of
Catanduanes Island. Pastells’ (1925) work provided relevant passages related to the
Espiritu Santo. The vessel’s untimely demise “was caused by an unforgettable
strong and merciless typhoon and the galleon was suddenly thrown onto the reefs
near a place and uncharted coast of the shore of Catanduanes.” Another part
mentioned, “A Spanish ship had run across the reefs along the coast and all the
Spaniards died either by drowning or from being smashed on the reefs or thrown
into sharp stones.” Further, “… the natives of Sion found the location of two
anchors, some pieces of cargo and arquebuses …” Finally, one passage states that:
“The group who came (led by Don Juan de Sardonil) to attempt a rescue on the site
to the north side of the Sion River never succeeded in recovering any cargo or
survivors of the Espiritu Santo” (Alba 1992).