Alonso de Chaves' book, Quatri partitu en cosmographia (c. 1528), provides an insightful look into the art of sailing during this period. Chaves’ writing style is so detailed and vivid that it easily transports the reader to the described context. One notable section of the book (II.3,4) warns of potential dangers that can occur onboard, such as someone falling overboard, and provides solutions. Chaves gives precise and practical instructions on how to respond in such a situation.
The first step was to alert the crew by screaming “man at sea!” and throwing a rope into the water for the person to grab onto. The person who fell should also yell and make a commotion, and strike the water to indicate to those on board the side of the ship from which he had fallen, and deter sharks and other large fish from approaching him with the noise. If the individual was unable to climb the rope himself, the ship should launch a lifeboat to rescue them. However, adverse sea conditions could make this process difficult, requiring the ship to reposition itself for optimal conditions.
It was crucial to follow all of these procedures to save a life. It was such an important matter that failing to do so could result in legal consequences for the crew, who would be held responsible for the person’s death. But this would be the worst-case scenario. Chaves also outlines steps to take after a successful rescue. The person should be placed in a safe, ventilated area and turned upside down while feathers or fingers were placed in their mouth to remove any swallowed water. He should then be given a soup fortified with pure wine and washed with vinegar, and given preserves to eat, to regain strength. They should also apply oil to their belly and breast to aid the recovery.
After reading such a passage, with such clear and detailed instructions, even the 21st century landlubber feels prepared to save a man who has fallen overboard! [Carmo Lacerda]
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