The Heroic Journey of Benjamin Ascanio and the Telémaco

In the summer of 1950, a remarkable story unfolded as the sailing vessel Telémaco embarked on a perilous journey from Valle Gran Rey, La Gomera, to La Guaira, Venezuela. This voyage was not merely a trip across the ocean; it represented the hopes and dreams of many individuals seeking a brighter future amidst the backdrop of political turmoil and economic hardship.

Dreams of a New Life

During a time of significant unrest in Spain, news spread throughout La Gomera about Martinillo, who had emigrated to Venezuela aboard the Estrella Polar. His remittances sparked a wave of optimism among the locals, who began to dream of a better life. Some claimed he had sent back as much as a thousand pesetas in one month, while others spoke of amounts reaching two thousand five hundred pesetas the previous month. This influx of money fueled aspirations of prosperity and opportunity in Venezuela, which many viewed as a new paradise.

The stories of success from those who had made the journey inspired many others to follow suit. Families began to gather their resources, hoping to secure a place on the Telémaco, which was seen as a vessel of hope. The anticipation of a new beginning was palpable, as individuals and families prepared to leave their homes behind in search of a brighter future.

The Challenges of the Voyage

Among those on board the Telémaco was Carlos Jara Mesa, a 17-year-old crew member who later recounted the harrowing experience of the journey. The ship set sail with 171 passengers, including only one woman, Teresa García Arteaga, who was accompanied by her father, Juan Jara Santos, the oldest passenger at 57. The journey was fraught with challenges, including limited space and resources, which made the experience even more daunting for the travelers.

As the voyage progressed, the crew faced a severe storm that threatened their survival. The tempest was so fierce that it left the passengers in a state of panic and despair. In the aftermath of the storm, they spotted the Spanish oil tanker Campante, which came to their aid by providing essential supplies. However, the captain of the Campante was hesitant to allow them on board, fearing the responsibility of taking on so many distressed passengers, which added to the tension of the situation.

The Heroism of Benjamin Ascanio

Amidst the chaos, Benjamin Ascanio emerged as a hero. Carlos recounted that after the storm, Benjamin bravely tied a rope around his waist and jumped into the shark-infested waters to retrieve the supplies thrown from the Campante. His courageous actions were pivotal in ensuring the survival of those aboard the Telémaco. Benjamin’s selflessness and bravery in the face of danger not only saved lives but also inspired his fellow passengers to remain hopeful.

Despite his heroism, Benjamin faced an unjust fate. He was repatriated to Spain under the mistaken belief that he was a crew member, despite having paid for his passage like the others. Carlos expressed deep sorrow over Benjamin’s treatment, noting that he had already encountered significant political issues with the Spanish authorities. This unfortunate turn of events highlighted the often harsh realities faced by those who sought a better life abroad.

As the Telémaco and its passengers battled the elements, they were ultimately saved by the Campante’s provisions, which included rice, oil, and water. Carlos vividly described the moment when the tanker approached, stating that they had endured two storms and lost everything to the sea, including their supplies and even a cat that had been on board. The arrival of the Campante brought a renewed sense of hope and relief to the beleaguered passengers.

After the Campante radioed the authorities in Barbados, the passengers of the Telémaco were left with a renewed sense of hope, thanks to Benjamin’s bravery and the assistance they received. The journey, while fraught with peril, underscored the resilience of the human spirit and the lengths to which individuals would go to seek a better life.

Key points

• The Telémaco set sail from Valle Gran Rey, La Gomera, on August 9, 1950, with 171 passengers.
• Benjamin Ascanio was recognized as a hero for his courageous act of retrieving supplies from the Campante.
• Carlos Jara Mesa, a 17-year-old crew member, shared his experiences of the journey.
• Only one woman, Teresa García Arteaga, was aboard the Telémaco, accompanied by her father.
• Benjamin was unjustly repatriated to Spain, despite having paid for his passage.
• The Campante provided essential supplies that helped the passengers survive after a severe storm.
• The journey highlighted the hope and desperation of those seeking a better life in Venezuela.