Jaume Ferrer

Jaume Ferrer was a Majorcan navigator and cartographer of the 14th century, known primarily for his attempted voyage down the West African coast in 1346. Very little is definitively known about Ferrer’s life beyond this single, documented expedition. He is significant for representing an early example of medieval European exploration, undertaken perhaps with the goals of trade, reconnaissance, or even attempting to reach the legendary Prester John.

Ferrer's expedition, undertaken in a small galley, aimed to reach the "River of Gold" (Rio del Oro), a mythical waterway believed to flow with gold dust. The motivations behind this voyage are debated, ranging from pure exploration to the potential for discovering new trade routes or finding a source of gold for the Kingdom of Majorca.

His fate is unknown. Contemporary accounts, notably those of Francesc Eiximenis, suggest Ferrer never returned from his voyage. This suggests that he and his crew likely perished along the African coast. Despite the lack of concrete evidence of success or survival, Jaume Ferrer's voyage remains an important example of the spirit of exploration during the late Middle Ages and a testament to the risks faced by early navigators venturing into uncharted waters. He is remembered as a pioneer, albeit a tragic one, of European exploration along the African coast.