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Devils Island was originally a prison, off the coast of French Guiana. Now it is mostly jungle and ruins, with a small hotel at the top of the mountain. We were unable to visit because the island was having issues with their water supply… it wasn’t safe to drink! The Flat Friends couldn’t help but wonder if things like that mattered 100 years ago!
🥥 The Great Coconut Escape!
Did you know that one of the most famous escapes in history happened at Devil’s Island? Because the island was surrounded by sharp rocks and hungry sharks, everyone thought it was impossible to leave. But one man named Papillon had a “nutty” idea!
The Plan: He noticed that the ocean waves hit the cliffs in a special rhythm. He spent days watching the water until he figured out that every seventh wave was extra strong.
The “Boat”: He didn’t have wood to build a ship, so he stuffed two large sacks full of coconuts! Coconuts are full of air, so they float just like life jackets.
The Leap: He jumped off a high cliff into the ocean with his coconut bags. He used that big “seventh wave” to push him far away from the rocks and out into the deep sea.
Success! He floated for days on his coconut pillows until he reached the mainland and was finally free.
🚢 Literary Connection: If you like stories about brave escapes, check out The Count of Monte Cristo! Even though that story happens in France, the prison is just like Devil’s Island—a lonely place surrounded by water where only the cleverest can escape!