Expert: Joseph Logue - 11/11/2005

Question
Hello Joseph!

I remember that many years ago (maybe 25) I read in a newspaper in their "Trivia" section that an Admiral called Clarke, or Drake or some similar name, died devoured by crabs. I don't remember any details, unfortunately.

Is there such an incident in the history, where an admiral or a similar rank, died devoured by crabs?

Who was that and how did he die exactly?

Thank you and regards,
Gabriel Pana

Answer
Hello again,

What I'm finding, Gabriel, is that those who are either buried or lost at sea suffer such a fate as being devoured by crabs.  It appears that crabs are extremely efficient in cleaning the ocean.

Naturally, in the history of any nation's navy there are bound to be many who have been lost at sea, including those of very high rank.  The one I found who had a connection to Drake (I assumed you meant Sir Francis) was one Sir John Hawkins (1532-1595) who died at sea off Puerto Rico.  It appears unlikely that "being devoured by crabs" is the actual *cause* of death; it is simply a consequence of being buried or lost at sea.

There is one more (remote) chance:  do you remember the newspaper in which you read this?  It is possible that I could trace it through that.  If you do remember it, go to AllExperts and choose the option to ask a question of me.  In the text field, simply write the name of the paper.  I'll let you know of any results.

Sincerely,

Joseph Logue