This Day in History: June 8, 1552
Additional Date: June 8, 1552
The Portuguese ship São João went down near the mouth of the Mzimvubu River (at the present Port St. Johns) with 600 people on board. The ship was returning from her voyage to India when she was stranded. She had left Cochin, India, on 3 February 1552 loaded with pepper, Chinese porcelain and other merchandise. 100 people were drowned and the rest of them, led by Manuel de Souza e Sepulveda, started walking northwards along the coast. The leader, his wife and most of the survivors from the wreck died on the gruelling journey. Only seven Europeans and fourteen slaves reached Mozambique.