Cofresi, the Puerto Rican Robinhood

Puerto Rican pirate Roberto Cofresi was born in San German, Puerto Rico in 1791. He was a highly skilled sailor and strategist, and quickly rose to become one of the most feared pirates in the Caribbean.

Cofresi began his career as a pirate at a young age, working under the notorious pirate Victorio Manso de Contreras. He soon gained a reputation as a cunning and ruthless pirate, known for his clever tactics and bold attacks on ships.

In 1819, Cofresi and his crew captured a large merchant ship, which they used as their flagship. They renamed it the “Maria Ignacia,” and used it to terrorize the shipping lanes around Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic.

Cofresi’s most famous attack took place in 1825, when he and his crew ambushed a Spanish treasure ship off the coast of Puerto Rico. The pirates made off with a huge haul of gold and silver, worth an estimated $100 million in today’s money.

Despite his success as a pirate, Cofresi was known for his generosity towards the poor and downtrodden. He would often distribute his loot amongst the poor of Puerto Rico, and was seen as a hero by many.

Cofresi’s luck finally ran out in 1825, when he was captured by the Spanish navy and sentenced to life in prison. He died in captivity a few years later, but his legend lived on.

Today, Cofresi is remembered as one of Puerto Rico’s greatest heroes, and his name is still celebrated throughout the Caribbean. Despite his life of crime, he is remembered for his bravery, cunning, and generosity.