What did the wrecking trade in the Cayman Islands involve?

The wrecking trade in the Cayman Islands primarily involved the deliberate luring of ships to crash on reefs. This practice emerged in the 17th and 18th centuries when the area was a hotspot for shipwrecks due to its treacherous reefs and shallow waters. Wrecking was not simply opportunistic salvaging; it was a strategic and often predatory business. Wreckers would sometimes use false lights or other deceptive methods to attract ships towards the dangerous coastal areas, leading to shipwrecks. Once a ship was wrecked, local individuals would then salvage the cargo and materials from the wrecked vessels, which became a significant part of the local economy. This trade had a profound impact on the culture and history of the Cayman Islands, as it shaped the livelihoods of many residents during that era.