The Greatest Pirate Attack That Shook an Empire: Henry Avery’s Legendary Heist

On September 7, 1695, near the Horn of Africa, a merchant ship laden with treasure was sailing from present-day Yemen to India. Its escort had already been captured by pirates, and now it was their turn. As a frigate approached, a red flag with a Jolly Roger fluttered in the wind. By the end of the battle, British pirate Henry Avery sailed away with one of the biggest pirate catches in history. This marked one of the most daring heists during the Golden Age of Piracy, shaking empires and rewriting pirate lore.

The Golden Age of Piracy

From 1690 to 1730, the Golden Age of Piracy saw European pirates terrorizing ships across the Atlantic Ocean. Names like Blackbeard and Captain Kidd became infamous, and the Caribbean was a hotspot for pirate activity. However, as the 17th century drew to a close, some pirates set their sights on richer targets—sailing down the eastern coast of Africa and into the Indian Ocean.

The Indian Ocean was teeming with merchant ships transporting luxury goods like silk, spices, incense, and perfumes. The East India Company also transported cash and jewels on behalf of European empires, making it a pirate’s dream. The most attractive targets were ships belonging to the Mughal Emperor, whose empire covered nearly the entire Indian subcontinent.

Pirate Havens and Early Heists

Pirates like Adam Baldridge established safe havens on remote islands like St. Mary’s near Madagascar. These islands were strategically located near major shipping routes, making them ideal for launching attacks. Pirates fortified these islands, creating bases where they could relax and plan their next moves.

In 1721, French pirate Olivier La Buse and English pirate John Taylor captured a Portuguese treasure ship, netting diamonds, cash, and porcelain worth hundreds of millions in today’s money. Despite their success, their heist paled in comparison to Henry Avery’s legendary capture.

Henry Avery: The King of Pirates

Henry Avery, an Englishman born in Plymouth, began his career in the merchant marine. In 1694, he led a mutiny aboard the privateering ship Charles II, renaming it Fancy and setting sail for Madagascar. There, he learned of a Mughal fleet of 25 ships preparing to sail to India, including treasure ships owned by the Grand Mughal himself.

Avery assembled a small armada of six ships and pursued the Mughal convoy. After capturing an escort vessel and stealing gold and silver worth over $17 million today, Avery targeted the flagship, Ganj-i-Sawai. Despite its formidable defenses, a lucky volley from Avery’s men crippled the ship, allowing them to board and seize one of the richest pirate hauls in history.

The Aftermath: A Diplomatic Scandal

The heist sparked outrage in the Mughal Empire. The Grand Mughal accused the East India Company of conspiring with the pirates, leading to the arrest of several officials. Fearing the loss of valuable trade agreements, the British launched one of the first international manhunts, offering rewards for Avery’s capture.

While some of Avery’s crew were caught and tried, Avery himself vanished. Historians believe he escaped to Ireland with his share of the loot, earning the nickname “The King of Pirates.”

Read about the Mughal Empire’s reaction: World History Encyclopedia – Mughal Empire

The Decline of Piracy in the Indian Ocean

By the end of the 18th century, increased European presence and British raids on pirate strongholds led to the decline of piracy in the Indian Ocean. Natural disasters, like the 1692 earthquake and tsunami that destroyed Port Royal in Jamaica, also contributed to the end of the Golden Age of Piracy.

However, piracy never fully disappeared. Modern pirates, though lacking the romanticized image of their predecessors, continue to pose threats in regions like the Strait of Malacca, where 40% of global trade passes.

Conclusion

Henry Avery’s daring heist remains one of the most legendary pirate stories of all time. It not only enriched him and his crew but also shook empires and reshaped diplomatic relations. While the Golden Age of Piracy may be over, the tales of pirates like Avery continue to captivate our imaginations.