In 1669, off the Caribbean Island of Isla de la Vaca, Henry Morgan and the captains of his buccaneer fleet held a war council aboard Morgan’s 36 gun flagship. After deciding on a new venture against the Spanish, they drank, toasted the health of the King of England, drank some more (and proceeded to blow themselves to smithereens.) Morgan’s crew also celebrated, rioting around the ship and firing their cannon.

Until a few sparks landed in the gun powder.

The ship exploded. Only 30 of the 300 Englishmen aboard survived. Miraculously, Morgan was one of them. Just 6 weeks later, Morgan led his men in the sacking of Gibralter and Maracaibo. (Buccaneers of America, Under the Black Flag, The Pirate Primer)

Captain Morgan and 1st Mate Marisa Miller