On the dawn of 17^th August 1744, the Saint Geran , a majestic vessel under the command of Captain Delamere appeared in the North of the island. It was its first trip in the region.

Six months earlier, that is, on the 24^th March, several passengers boarded the vessel at the port of Lorient, along with cargo which included windmills ordered by Mahe de Labourdonnais for Villebague Sugar Estate, situated near Pamplemousses.

All of a sudden, at two in the morning, the ship was violently shaken. The alarm rang. Everybody, some still asleep, rushed outside on the deck. They were terrified by what they saw. The main mast was broken, crushing the lifeboats under its weight. Merciless waves had split the vessel into two. The passengers knelt to pray, the crew made a raft, which rapidly sank with its victims.

There were only nine survivors inspired by the tragic plight of these lovers, Bernardin de Saint Pierre wrote “Paul et Virginie” in 1787.This novel which vents the charms of the tropic has become over the years, the symbol of love and fidelity.

C’est un navire dont les Mauriciens ont toujours partagé avec fierté les secrets, surtout quand Bernardin de Saint Pierre l’immortalisa dans son roman « Paul et Virginie «.

Armé de 23 canons, avec un tirant d’eau de 600 tonneaux, il fut lancé à Lorient le 11 Juillet 1736 le capitaine Laurent du plessis lui fit prendre la mer pour son premier voyage de Lorient à Pondicherry le 11 novembre 1739. Par la suite, il fut commandé par le Capitaine Porée de la Toche.

Le Saint Geran devait faire naufrage le 17 août 1744 au Nord de l’île de France, aujourd’hui appelée Maurice. Ce fut le Capitaine Richard de Lamarre qui accompagna le SAINT GERAN vers son destin, avec à son bord un équipage de 149 hommes, 13 passagers, ainsi que plusieurs esclaves.