Speedwell Island
| Isla Águila | |
|---|---|
Satellite photo with Speedwell Island just below and to left of center
|
|
 Speedwell Island
|
|
| Geography | |
| Location | Atlantic Ocean |
| Coordinates | 52°13′10″S 59°43′00″W / 52.21944°S 59.71667°WCoordinates: 52°13′10″S 59°43′00″W / 52.21944°S 59.71667°W |
| Archipelago | Speedwell Island group |
| Area | 51.5 km2 (19.9 sq mi) |
| Length | 17.5 km (10.87 mi) |
| Width | 5 km (3.1 mi) |
| Administration | |
|
Falkland Islands
|
|
Speedwell Island (formerly Eagle Island; Spanish Isla Águila) is one of the Falkland Islands, lying in the Falkland Sound, southwest of Lafonia, East Falkland.
The island has an area of 51.5 km2 (19.9 sq mi). It is about 17.5 km (10.9 mi) from north to south and 5 km (3.1 mi) wide at its central part. It is generally low-lying and has been used as a sheep farm for more than a hundred years. It is separated from Lafonia by the Eagle Passage, which takes its name from Speedwell Island's old name. Speedwell Island is the largest of the Speedwell Island group, which includes the Elephant Cays, George Island, Barren Island and Annie Island.
The island is rodent-free, and thus a haven for penguins including the Magellanic penguin, which is the southernmost distributed species of the banded penguins. Various other nesting seabirds occur. The island is operated as a sheep farm.
In 1812 the British ship Isabella, captained by George Higton, was shipwrecked off "Eagle Island" (as it was then) Most of the crew were rescued by the American sealer Nanina, commanded by Captain Charles Barnard. However, realising that they would require more provisions for the expanded number of passengers, Barnard and a few others went out in a party to retrieve more food. During his absence the Nanina was taken over by the British crew and left them on the island. Barnard and his party were finally rescued in November 1814. In 1829 Barnard wrote A Narrative of the Sufferings and Adventures of Capt. Charles Barnard detailing the happenings.
The 1837 survey of the Falkland Islands under Lowcay noted that there were wild pigs on the island.
...
Wikipedia