Recherche Archipelago

From Wild Southwest Wiki

The Recherche Archipelago is a large group of islands and shoals stretching eastwards from the ruins of Esperance on the Pirate Coast. The eastward extent and total number of islands are unknown, but at least 30 were noted during the Pirate War in the 2060s.

The lack of reliable charts covering the archipelago is one of the major barriers to eastwards exploration (the other being the lack of water sources along the coast). The western islands were thoroughly mapped during the Pirate War, however only sketchy charts exist beyond Cape Le Grand, making navigation perilous for any Captain foolhardy enough to take his ship that far from civilisation.

Notable islands include

• Hood Island: The beached Royal Australian Navy frigate that was salvaged to create the PRS Resurgam was discovered on this island in 2062. 375km East of Albany.

• Observatory Island: In early 2093 a number of timbers were recovered from the east side of this island. These were claimed by some to be remnants of the Hapgood Expedition, however they were shown to be the wrong type of wood. 334km East of Albany.

• Pasley Island: The furthest point eastwards reached by any known ship. Crew from the PRS Resurgam made a brief landing here on February 28th 2066 during the Pirate War. 515km East of Albany.

• Woody Island: A major Pirate base was located on this island. It was cleared by the Rangers in May 2065. 512km East of Albany.