Discover the Cristina Rueda anchor
In February 1925, the Spanish cargo ship Cristina Rueda left Paimboeuf despite storm warnings, hoping to arrive in time for Carnival.
During the crossing, she was blown off course and, on the night of 23 to 24 February, a storm ripped off the rudder, grounding the ship near the Ile de Ré. Two whaleboats were launched, but one was swept away by a wave, and the second allowed only one sailor to reach the beach. The partially naked sailor was helped by a local woman, who understood the situation thanks to the foghorn. For three days, the islanders and rescuers from La Rochelle tried to save the sailors, but one boat capsized, causing several rescuers to drown. The shipwreck killed 15 sailors and 4 rescuers. A tribute was paid to them in the Chamber of Deputies.
In the 1980s, the ship's anchor was rediscovered by a local fisherman, who had it brought back and installed on the island.
During the crossing, she was blown off course and, on the night of 23 to 24 February, a storm ripped off the rudder, grounding the ship near the Ile de Ré. Two whaleboats were launched, but one was swept away by a wave, and the second allowed only one sailor to reach the beach. The partially naked sailor was helped by a local woman, who understood the situation thanks to the foghorn. For three days, the islanders and rescuers from La Rochelle tried to save the sailors, but one boat capsized, causing several rescuers to drown. The shipwreck killed 15 sailors and 4 rescuers. A tribute was paid to them in the Chamber of Deputies.
In the 1980s, the ship's anchor was rediscovered by a local fisherman, who had it brought back and installed on the island.
