Sabrina Island Eruption (1811)

In June 1811, a submarine volcanic eruption off São Miguel in the Azores briefly created Sabrina Island. The event followed seismic activity in early 1811. Commander James Tillard claimed sovereignty for Great Britain, but water erosion dismantled the islet by October 1811.

Episodes

Background and detail

Background. The Azores is a volcanic archipelago in the North Atlantic. Sabrina Island was formed by a submarine eruption off Ponta da Ferraria, São Miguel. Shallow submarine eruptions can create islands, but those formed of uncompacted tephra often have short existences due to water erosion.

Seismic Precursors. Between January and February 1811, prolonged seismic activity affected settlements in southwest São Miguel, specifically in Ginetes and Mosteiros. This activity preceded the eruption that occurred in June 1811, about 3 nautical miles from the original seismic zones.

Formation and Claim. The eruption occurred on 10 June 1811, killing many fish. Commander James Tillard, captain of HMS Sabrina, was the first to land on the new islet. He hoisted the Union Jack and claimed sovereignty for Great Britain. Colonel John William Miles drew the island during the approach on 19 June 1811.

Disappearance. The conflict over sovereignty petered out by October 1811. By that time, water erosion had dismantled the new island. This rapid disappearance is common for islands formed by submarine eruptions, especially when composed of uncompacted tephra.

People involved

Sources

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