Sack of Lanzarote

The Sack of Lanzarote occurred in 1618, when 36 Algerian Galleys, sacked the island of Lanzarote in the Canary Islands, taking 900 men, women and children with them to be sold.

Sack of Lanzarote
Date 1 May 1618 Location Lanzarote, Spain Result Algerian victory
Belligerents
Regency of Algiers	Spanish Empire
Commanders and leaders
Tabac Arráez	Jan Janszoon  (POW)
Strength
36 Galleys 3,000 or 5,000 Men	Unknown
Casualties and losses
Unknown	Before naval battle: 900 captured[1] After naval battle: 700 captured[1]

Sack

On May 1, 1618, 36 Algerian Galleys arrived at Bey of Arrefice, Lanzarote, aiming to raid and plunder anything valuable. Led by Tabac Arraez, the pirate commander, they unleashed a force of 3,000 or 5,000 men who looted the island, leaving the inhabitants to seek refuge in caves. Eventually, they were besieged and captured by the Regency of Algiers, totaling 900 men, women, and children.^[1][2][3][4] On that day, Jan Janszoon, a Dutch soldier, was also captured. He later converted to Islam and became known as Murat Reis the Younger.^[5][6][7]

Aftermath

Upon learning of the event, King Philip III of Spain ordered the Spanish navy to intercept the pirates, successfully rescuing around 200 captives. the remaining 700 were sold in Tunis and Algiers.^[1]