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"Plaatjies", a mental patient, carved numerous boats in order to escape. Alas, the officials always burned the creation. Plaatjies eventually died on the island.
1731: Seven men escaped in a "skinboat", made of seal skins. Four exhausted escapees were found by officals on Blaawberg. Three of the original seven had drowned.
1844: A tub was used by William Smith and James Hunt. The regiment opened fire, killing Smith. Hunt later turned himself in.
1846: Five lepers tried to escape using boxes. They capsized and were recaptured.
late 19th cent.: A successful escape "skinboat" reached the shores of Blaawberg, carrying escapees Carel and Jacob Kruger. Carel's freedom was short-lived. He was trampled by a disturbed elephant. Jacob became a wild man for 20 years, and then was granted free pardon to live the peaceful life of a burgher. Alas, on his way to Cape Town, he was eaten by a lion.
1909: An unknown swimmer made it from the island to the mainland.
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