Nuno da Silva

Nuno da Silva (aka Nunno da Silva; born ) was a Portuguese pilot and navigator in the 16th century, who accompanied Sir Francis Drake during his circumnavigation voyage (1577–1580). Da Silva was captured by Drake at the Island of Santiago in Cape Verde, after which he guided Drake’s expedition through parts of the Atlantic and along the Pacific coast of the Americas. Da Silva was abandoned by Drake at Huatulco, on the Pacific coast of what was then New Spain, on 13 April 1579. However, Drake would later credit da Silva's service with the success of his mission. His memoirs of Drake's voyage remain a valuable historical resource.

Capture by Francis Drake

On 30 January 1578 Francis Drake's expedition captured the Portuguese merchant ship Santa Maria (later renamed Mary) off Santiago, in the Cape Verde Islands. Aboard was the Portuguese pilot Nuno da Silva. Drake retained da Silva for his navigational expertise, hoping Silva could guide the expedition further, thanks to his knowledge of the coast of Brazil.

Da Silva was abandoned by Drake at Huatulco, on the Pacific coast of what was then New Spain, in 13 April 1579, his navigational services being no longer of significant use. Da Silva was captured by the Spanish and interrogated under torture.

Legacy

Nuno da Silva was played by Alan Downer in the 1980 Television film Drake's Venture, produced by Westward Television.