Life and achievements of the best sea wolf of its time, nicknamed “Half-Man” (4 photos)

He did not get it in vain - the strategist did not have an arm, leg and left eye.





Blas de Lezo y Olavarrieta was born in 1689 in the town of Basque Pasaia. He came from the nobility, his grandfather was famous sailor, so that the fate of the boy became obvious - the navy.

He studied at the Paris Naval College and became a midshipman combined Franco-Spanish fleet. In 1704, 15-year-old Blas fighting at Malaga. A cannonball shatters the bones of his left leg and the limb is amputated. However, he continued to serve.

In 1707, Blas took part in the siege of Toulon and lost his left eyes. But do not despair - as soon as he comes to his senses, again returns to service. A year later he becomes a lieutenant, and soon - frigate captain.

In 1714, in the battle for Barcelona, Blas loses his right hand and earns the nickname "Half-Human". Fearless next year the cripple successfully storms Mallorca.



Blas then drives silver convoys from the American colonies. Spain. At the same time, he is given the honorary title of “Thunderstorm of the Seas” - for that famously drove English and Spanish pirates and did not let them near ships loaded with precious metal.





Blas de Lezo y Olavarrieta, lifetime portrait

At 36, Blas decided to settle down and married a Creole woman. Despite the injuries, he did not lose his ardor and 7 children were born in the marriage. A then returned to service.

In 1730, the Spanish king gave Blas the Mediterranean squadron and instructed to take up Genoa - local merchants did not want to give debts. Blas took only 6 ships and soon brought the king 2 million pesos. The monarch was delighted and ordered the brave "Half-Human" to organize naval blockade of Algiers. In 1732, Blas retook the cities of Mers-el-Kebir and Oran and a couple of years later received the rank of vice admiral.

The restless sailor could not sit idle and in 1737 he sent to Colombian Cartagena, where he began to strengthen the defense cities. Another brawl with England was brewing and they were aiming hit right there.

In 1739, England declared war on Spain and captured coastal city of Porto Bello in Panama. Soon they attacked Cartagena - the British stormed the city twice and left empty-handed both times.



Battle for Cartagena

In 1741, the English Admiral Vernon assembled a fleet of 250 ships and again approached the camps of Cartagena. Blas again defended the city, and the enemy fleet went for emergency repairs to Jamaica.

And this was the last victory of the courageous sailor: in the same Blas fell ill and soon died. He became a legend during his lifetime, and after death, his eldest son was given the title of marquis.