Explorers definitely show remarkable courage. From delving into space and navigating underwater caves to sailing uncharted seas and uncovering new territories, their efforts have been crucial in mapping the world as we know it.
Michael Rockefeller, the son of former US Vice President Nelson Rockefeller, was engaged in such exploration when he made contact with a tribe known for cannibalistic practices.
In November 1961, 23-year-old Michael Rockefeller was on his second expedition to Dutch New Guinea—now known as West Papua, an Indonesian province on the island of New Guinea—accompanied by Dutch anthropologist René Wassing.
They aimed to explore the southwestern part of the country, specifically the Asmat region.
The duo was sailing in a large 40-foot canoe about three miles from shore when it capsized.
Wassing, who undertook the voyage to study the tribesmen, was rescued while floating in the Arafura Sea. However, Rockefeller was never seen again, and his disappearance remains a mystery.
Many believe that he washed ashore and was encountered by the cannibalistic Asmat tribe. However, there are pictures that suggest a different story altogether.
