Dear Bermuda,

I was hoping to make this post on July 28, but, alas, life wouldn’t be all that it is without delays. On that date, the flagship Sea Venture wrecked off the east coast of Bermuda after fighting a hurricane for four days.

The ship had been tethered to the fleet’s pinnace, which was a maritime custom to ensure it kept up. With the onset of the hurricane, the line to the pinnace was cut.

By the morning of the fourth day everyone on board was exhausted from sleep deprivation, seasickness and from being unable to eat. No one had the energy to continue bailing, which had kept the ship afloat soon after entering the storm.

In the early morning, the passengers and crew had begun the process of preparing for their end. Mothers would have been particularly distraught knowing that nothing more could be done to protect their children.

As the morning sun continued to rise, land was sighted. In the distance they saw a beach and were soon resolved to run the Sea Venture upon it. Ocean swells still abounded and before long a wave lifted the ship and wedged her between two reefs. While far away from the beach, at least the ship was upright to enable an orderly evacuation.

The coming ashore scene would have been one of extreme emotions. People would have been battered, bloodied and bruised. Many of the men had literally lost their shirts fighting to keep the Sea Venture afloat. Those with children would have been crying with relief knowing their prayers had been answered. Somehow one or two fires were lit, and from then on, sleep was the order of the day for the 150 survivors.

Over the next ten months, three men died of exhaustion. Eight men became war casualties after leaving in the refitted longboat to get help. At times tempers flared, resulting in a murder. Another was executed for mutiny. These events were tempered with a wedding and the birth of two babies. The descendants of one of those babies are with us today. The other baby died and she is a cousin to all those descended from Pocahontas. We know the bodies of the deceased were buried but the location of their cemetery is a lost heritage site. Perhaps one day we will use modern technology to find them, as they may rest just to the east of Coot Pond.

Despite the privations, the Sea Venture survivors persevered. They crafted two escape ships and in May 1610, 135 survivors plus a baby left for Jamestown, Virginia. Two mutineers remained in Bermuda fearing they would be placed in chains. After a 13-day voyage they saved the cradle of America as she stood on the edge of extinction. Little did they know that their efforts would lead to the formal settlement of Bermuda in 1612. That process led to Bermuda-inspired land reforms in Virginia. Since then, America hasn’t looked back.

For generations to come Bermuda was a keystone in the development and defence of all the American colonies. The shared heritage we have with America is profound, and it all began with the Sea Venture survivors who refused to abandon Jamestown in her time of need.

Sadly, those on the pinnace were never seen again. Their loss is barely a footnote in history journals. But I hope this short film helps to raise awareness about their sacrifice. Perhaps one day a small plaque will be affixed (or dare I say “tethered”) to the Sea Venture Memorial so they too will be remembered.

This film is dedicated to the people of Bermuda.

PETER BARRETT

Hamilton Parish

• Click the link to view the schedule for Virginia and Bermuda: Colonial Siblings