Juan Garcia

Posted by Under The Black Flag biographies, Juan Garcia 10:38 μ.μ.

Juan Garcia (fl. 1622) was a 17th century Spanish privateer. He was among several other Spaniards who worked with Dunkirkers in the service of Spain during the Eighty Years' War. Both he and Pedro de la Plesa were caught by the Dutch Republic in a failed attempt to break through the imposed blockade at Dunkirk, he and de la Plesa leaving Captain Jan Jacobsen to face nine pursuing Dutch warships.

In October 1622, he and Pedro de la Plesa left Duinkerken with Jan Jacobsen attempting to break through the blockade imposed on the city by the Dutch Republic. However, a Dutch yacht spotted Pedro de la Plesa as he sailed out of Oostende. The ship's captain, Jacob Volckertzoon Vinck, immediately sailed to a small fleet stationed nearby.

Its commander, Admiral Harman Kleuter, set off after the blocade runners at once and was later joined by another squadron under Captain Lambert Hendrikszoon. Garcia and Pedro de la Plesa fled instantly upon encountering the fleet, however Jacobsen stayed behind to fight the nine pursuing warships. Both because of his heroic stand, as well as allowing his Spanish allies to escape to England, Jacobsen and his crew became a national hero.