Pescante de Hermigua

Today I went swimming in the sea pool at the Pescante de Hermigua. In winter, Hermigua usually has very powerful waves, so swimming in the pool is only advisable at low tide.

The Pescantes were structures built on the coasts of Gomera at the beginning of the  20th century. These were erected with the aim of alleviating the lack of road and port infrastructure, facilitating the entry and exit of people and goods on the islands, especially in the municipalities of Hermigua , Agulo and Vallehermoso.

Before the  19th century , La Gomera lacked ports with docks, roads and motor vehicles. Exports were carried out through enclaves on the coast, such as Playa de La Caleta (known then as "Playa del Azúcar") and Santa Catalina beach.

In Hermigua, the Ciro Fragoso pier, built in the second half of the  19th century, was one of the first port infrastructures in the area, although insufficient for local needs.

In the early years of the  20th century, technological advances such as street lighting, telegraph, telephone and steamships arrived in La Gomera. However, building a road network remained a challenge. The British company Fyffes was established in Hermigua for the production and export of bananas and tomatoes, leading local landowners to recognise the need for better port infrastructure.

Construction of the Pescante de Hermigua began in 1907 and was completed in 1908, with an initial investment of 60 000 pesetas, later increased to 110 000 pesetas. This modern and functional structure allowed the export of agricultural products overcoming the limitations of land transport. In 1912, a road was planned that would connect the Pescante with the banana and tomato workshops, significantly improving local logistics.

During the 1920s, the economic boom allowed the construction of an air ferry to improve the transport of fruit. In 1925, the construction of a strategic road was requested to connect Hermigua with its main outlet to the sea. In 1929, the Island Council approved the construction of the Santa Catalina Bridge, definitively linking Hermigua with El Peñón by road.

In the mid- 20th century, the construction of new roads and the San Sebastian dock reduced the importance of the jib boats. In 1943, the road that linked San Sebastian with Hermigua marked the beginning of the end of the jib boats. The activity gradually ceased due to global socioeconomic changes and the appearance of new means of transport.

Today, the Pescante de Hermigua is a vestige of the region's history and economic progress. In 2008, the centenary of its creation was celebrated with numerous commemorative events, recognising its importance in local history. Although its activity has ceased, it remains a symbol of the effort and innovation of the inhabitants of Hermigua over the centuries.Baca lagi