Such a setback only made Magellan more determined than ever to
find a way round, or through, the South American Continent. So,
after a further rest, the expedition proceeded south again, sai-
ling into some of the stormiest seas in the world. the wind was
sometimes so strong it actually blew them backwards. Ice formed
on masts and rigging, making the ships top-heavy, and even more
likely to capsize in the raging seas.
With only such simple instruments as hour glass and compass,
Magellan nevertheless held his wooden galleons to their course
for more than 15000 kilometers (over 100 miles) down the rugged
coast of what is now Argentina. Only when his crews were drop-
ping from cold and exhaustion did he finally seek shelter, in
the natural harbour of San Julian.
By now the expedition was well into uncharted regions and had
reached one of the loneliest places on earth, at almost the c-
oldest time of the year. Here, three of Magellan��s Spanish ca-
ptains mutinied, planning to sail their ships, the San Antonio,
Victoria and Concepcion, back home to Spain as soon as the wea-
ther allowed.
Although exhausted after weeks with hardly any sleep and
little food, Magellan acted swiftly. With the two remaining sh-
ips (the Trinidad and Santiaago) still loyal to him, he immedi-
ately blockaded the harbour entrance. Then, with his knowledge
of tides and currents, he out-manoeuvred the other three ships,
recapturing each in turn. In the process, one of the captains,
Luis de Mendoza, was stabbed to death. A second captain, Gaspar
de Quesada , was afterwards put on trial and executed. Mutinous
crew members were condemned to work in chains. Magellan was in
command again.