Tales of Desperation: Sarah Island Escape
In 1788, the British initiated the practice of sending prisoners to Australia to address the issue of overcrowded prisons. Many of these individuals were not charged with serious offenses, and after serving their sentences, some would start new lives. However, those who continued to misbehave were sent to remote and harsh prison colonies in Tasmania. Sarah Island prison, located in Van Diemen's Land (now Tasmania), was infamous for its horrific conditions and brutal punishments, leading to frequent escape attempts. The harsh landscape of Tasmania, with its difficult terrain and wild nature, made escape attempts nearly impossible.
Alexander Pierce was a convict who was sent to Australia in 1819 for stealing shoes. Over the years, Pierce faced various troubles, including escape attempts and criminal activities. In 1822, he found himself at the remote Sarah Island prison. Faced with the harsh reality, Pierce attempted to escape with his fellow prisoners. The escapees faced a treacherous landscape, characterized by uninhabited mountain ranges, cliffs, gorges, and dangerous wildlife. The harsh weather, with powerful winds, rain, and occasional snow, added to their challenges. To the west was the ocean, making escape nearly impossible. They grappled with hunger and a lack of resources. Limited food supplies led to desperation, and, tragically, they resorted to cannibalism for survival. Pierce was eventually captured, put on trial, and executed in 1824.