Gabriel de Castilla facts for kids
Gabriel de Castilla (born around 1577, died about 1620) was a brave Spanish explorer and navigator. He was born in Palencia, Spain. Many people believe he was one of the first explorers to ever see Antarctica.
His Famous Expedition
In March 1603, Gabriel de Castilla led an important sea journey. His ships set sail from Valparaiso, a port city in Chile. He commanded three ships:
- The large galleon Jesús María, which weighed 600 tons and carried 30 cannons.
- The Nuestra Señora de la Visitación.
- The Nuestra Señora de las Mercedes.
The main goal of this expedition was given by the Viceroy of Peru, Luis de Velasco, marqués de Salinas. Castilla's mission was to stop Dutch privateers (like pirates, but working for their government) from attacking ships in the waters south of Chile.
Reaching the Southern Ocean
Historians think that Castilla and his crew sailed very far south. They might have reached a latitude of 64° S in the Southern Ocean, which is south of the Drake Passage. If this is true, it means they traveled farther south than anyone else had before that time!
After Castilla's journey, other merchant ships also reported being pushed south of 60° S. This happened when they were sailing around Cape Horn during very bad storms.
See also
- List of Antarctic expeditions
- Gabriel de Castilla Base
