Alonso de Salazar facts for kids
Toribio Alonso de Salazar was a brave Spanish explorer and sailor from a region called Biscay. He is famous for being the first European to reach the Marshall Islands. This important event happened on August 21, 1526. He died shortly after, on September 5, 1526, during his incredible journey across the Pacific Ocean.
Contents
Joining a Big Adventure
Toribio Alonso de Salazar joined a very important journey called the Loaísa expedition. This expedition started from Spain in 1525. Its main goal was to reach the Spice Islands, which were famous for their valuable spices.
The Second Pacific Crossing
The Loaísa expedition was only the second time in history that ships had crossed the huge Pacific Ocean. The first time was the famous journey led by Ferdinand Magellan and completed by Juan Sebastián Elcano, which sailed all the way around the world. So, Salazar was part of a truly historic voyage.
Sailing the Pacific
The journey across the Pacific was very long and difficult. Many sailors faced tough challenges, including storms and sickness.
Becoming a Commander
The expedition was originally led by a friar named García Jofre de Loaísa. However, during the long voyage, both Loaísa and another famous sailor, Juan Sebastián Elcano, sadly died. After their deaths, Toribio Alonso de Salazar took command of the last remaining ship, the Santa Maria de la Victoria. This was a huge responsibility.
Reaching New Lands
While sailing towards Guam, the Philippine Islands, and finally the Spice Islands, Salazar and his crew sighted land. This land was the Bokak Atoll, which is part of the Marshall Islands. This made him the first Westerner to ever see these islands.
The End of a Brave Journey
Toribio Alonso de Salazar commanded the ship for about one month. Sadly, he also became very sick with scurvy, a common illness on long sea voyages back then. He died on September 5, 1526, shortly after leaving Guam. After his death, Martín Íñiguez de Carquizano took over as the commander of the ship.
See also
In Spanish: Alonso de Salazar para niños
