Cunha, Tristão da, c.1460-1514?, Portuguese navigator. His most important voyage was undertaken in 1506, when he set out with 15 ships for India. He discovered three volcanic islands in the S Atlantic, one of which is named for him. After taking Socotra off Arabia, in the hope of establishing control over the Red Sea, he went on to India, while Afonso de Albuquerque, under secret royal orders, detached part of the fleet. On his return to Portugal, Tristão da Cunha carried out a diplomatic mission at the papal court. A son, Nuno da Cunha, 1487-1539, was governor of India and captured Basra in 1529.

Tristão da Cunha (sometimes spelled Tristão d'Acunha) (c. 1460 – c. 1540) was a Portuguese explorer and naval commander. His name has been anglicized as Tristan da Cunha in the name of the group of remote islands in the south Atlantic Ocean, 2816 km (1750 miles) from South Africa.

Cunha was born in Portugal, c. 1460. He was nominated as first viceroy of Portuguese India in 1504, but did not take up this post owing to temporary blindness.

The 1506 voyage

In 1506 he became commander of a fleet of 15 ships which operated on the east coast of Africa and off India. Afonso de Albuquerque was in charge of a squadron in this fleet and subsequently detached his squadron under secret royal orders to attack the island of Ormuz.

After discovering the islands which now bear his name, Cunha landed in Madagascar. He subsequently visited Mozambique, Brava (where he reduced Arab power), and Socotra (which he conquered). He also distinguished himself in India in various actions.

His return to Europe

After his return to Europe, he served as ambassador to Pope Leo X in 1514 to pay homage for the new conquests of Portugal. He later became a member of the Portuguese privy council.

Even though he did not become viceroy of India, his son, Nuno da Cunha, became the 9th Governor of India in 1538.

External links

• Tristan da Cunha island article in Italian