Page 14 - SAFFER 04

Black Jack Anderson

A True Life Pirate Tale

You do believe that real live pirates did actually live on islands There are 105 islands in the Recheche Archipelago. The largest
while plundering passing ships? of which is Middle Island. To this day the area around Middle
Island remains largely uncharted.
Not all of them lived in the Caribbean and looked like Captain
Jack Sparrow! The pirate band roamed the southern ocean preying on passing
vessels. The pirates made their home on Middle Island. This
Off the coast of Western Australia lies a granite and limestone island is unique as it not only has a source of fresh water but
island which was the home of Black Jack Anderson and his crew also a pink salt lake. Salt was vital to Black Jack for tanning the
of thugs. sea lion pelts which the group sold to passing ships.

In 1826 “John“ Black Jack Anderson, an American from The island has a long sandy beach, cliffs overlooking Black Jacks
Massachusetts, was on board the whaling vessel “the Vigilant” Bay which are peppered with caves and tunnels, fresh water and
when it arrived in St. Georges Sound (now known as Alba- a high lookout area. The perfect hideaway island for a pirate!
ny) He was involved in a shore side brawl in the local tavern
and was accused of murder. He fled the scene. With the aid of Black Jack was a ruthless criminal. By trade he was a ships
several crewmen they stole a small whale chaser vessel and fled caulker. There are tales of him luring vessels to their fate on the
eastwards. pretext of assisting them. One method was to jamb the rudder

| 14