Ile de la Passe, going back in time
Are you fascinated by naval battles? Are you passionate about history? Discover a site where a naval battle actually took place. Indeed, Ile de la Passe was witness to the French victory. This rocky islet, located in the magnificent bay of Grand Port, in the east of Mauritius, is a real step back in time. It contains historical elements of the remarkable battle which took place in the waters of the Vieux Grand Port in 1810.
A bit of history
The French, who were ruling the Ile de France (Mauritius' name at that time), were facing the threat of British invasion. The Ile de la Passe then became the scene of a long naval battle between French and British frigates. The British wanted to take possession of this islet which was used to guard the entrance to the bay of the Vieux Grand Port before launching the attack on the main island. Ile de la Passe was taken on the night of 13 to 14 August 1810. The two opponents fought fiercely for ownership of the Ile de France (Mauritius). 105 British men were killed and 164 were wounded compared to 34 killed and 112 wounded among the French. The battle ended after six long days with the French victory, which was their only naval success and as a result, it was inscribed on the Arc de Triomphe in Paris.
The strategic position of the Ile de la Passe
The islet is strategically located because of the pass next to it. This pass was used by large ships to access the lagoon of Mahébourg, it was also known as the main "gate" of Mauritius. Taking advantage of the position of this islet, the French fortified it in the 1760s to defend the island from external threats. By taking possession of L'île de la Passe they could control the entries into ile de France. Later on, the British had a guard tower built, more precisely during the 20th century. This site was a strategic point during the Second World War during which a hundred Mauritian soldiers remained in position there.
Treasures of history
During the colonial era, the French built two batteries, a barracks tank and a kitchen, and later in the 19th century, a red ball furnace which is now one of the best preserved in the world. These buildings were the first to be built in 1759 on this islet by by bringing soil, basalt blocks and ditched sand onto the island. If exploration appeals to you, take the next catamaran to Ile de La Passe! Graffiti carved in the stone of some of the ruins is also evidence of the presence of soldiers on the islet. There is also a powder magazine, two mortars and two cast iron flanges. During a visit, you can have a look at these unique remnants at Ile de la Passe.
In view of the historical importance of Ile de la Passe, a conservation operation has been launched, and this also involves restoring its endemic vegetation, as it has been completely destroyed by man since the island's colonisation.
