Henderson Island (Pitcairn Islands)

Henderson Island has interested me since I first read about it 10 or so years ago. At the time at age 12 or so, I secretly wished I could be castaway. The island is a raised coral atoll located in the south Pacific ocean and contains one fresh water spring. This spring presumably is the reason several famous castaways have survived extended periods on this island. Three members of the crew of a sunken whale ship, the Essex, survived from December 1820 to April 1821 on the island. Later, Robert Tomarchin survived two months in 1957 as well. Neighbouring islanders are known to visit the island 2 or 3 times a year to harvest Thespesia populnea and Cordia subcordata. Overall, the island contains 51 species of plants and 10 endemic ones. Henderson is one of the most isolated places on the planet; 5,000 kilometers from anywhere. I know I am not the only one who has a special interest in islands and the isolation and opprutunity the pose for a chance of survival. If one was to get away from it all, Henderson Island would be the perfect place to do it though, I am sure like other castaways before, it might be a relief when finally rescued.





Would you like to go to here sometime?


Photo: Makemake