Jack Renton – 8 Years living with a tribe on the Solomon islands

Jack Renton - 8 Years living with a tribe on the Solomon islands

Time stranded: 8 years

Distance traveled: Unknown

Terrain types: Beach / Jungle

Deaths: At least 4

Situation ended: Joined a passing friendly ship

Location: Solomon islands

solomon islands

Jack Renton was a sailor from England during the 19th century and as most men did during the Victorian era, went to sea to make a living during his teenage years. During a trip to San Fransisco in 1868 when he was just 20 years old, he was Shanghaied by another crew and taken out to sea. Shanghaiing is the process of a ship’s crew capturing people in distant ports to work as slaves aboard their vessels.

 

Shortly after being captured he and 4 other men decided to escape during the night in one of the small row boats while they were in the open ocean. The escape was successful but they didn’t know where they were and had few supplies, but fortunately for them the Solomon Islands were quite close and they managed to find their way to shore after spending 40 days at sea.

 

Renton and one of the others were the only ones to make the voyage, with the other 3 dying on the way from exposure and starvation. Shortly after landing the other crew member was killed by one of the local tribes on the island and Renton himself was captured and taken to the chief.

 

He was initially kept captive for entertainment, but after showing the tribe things he knew about gardening techniques and net making, they began to trust him and eventually let him join the tribe and live as one of them.

 

During his time on the islands, he was involved in small battles with rival tribes and proved himself to be a capable warrior, even becoming one of the chief’s favorites. Living on the island began as a necessity, then after it became more comfortable he started to get bored with his primitive tribal life and started to look for an opportunity to escape the island.

 

Due to the location of the Solomon Islands, ships from various countries often pass through here on the way to Australia and Renton decided to try his luck by asking to board one of these vessels.

 

A ship heading to Australia from North America’s west coast stopped at the island Renton was on to resupply with fresh water, and after seeing a stranded European the crew gladly agreed to take him with them. After arriving in Australia Renton’s story became an instant hit, and tales of his adventure spread quickly around the world and back to England, where he became an overnight celebrity.

 

Renton decided to stay in Australia but frequently visited the Solomon Islands on various humanitarian and trade missions, and it was on one of these trips that he met some of the members of a rival tribe he had previously fought against. The tribe captured him and later killed him in revenge for him taking part in fights against them.

 

Renton became known as “The white headhunter” and has had various books written about him, he is also known to be mentioned in stories told by the Malaitan tribe to this day.

How to Tell If a Plant Is Poisonous While on the Trail

How to Tell If a Plant Is Poisonous While on the TrailWhen you're out in the wild, your environment becomes your pantry, your medicine cabinet, and sometimes your biggest threat. For bushcrafters and hikers, knowing which plants are safe and which could put you in...

Your Chances of Surviving a Plane Crash

Your Chances of Surviving a Plane CrashWhen people think about flying, one of the most lingering fears is the possibility of a plane crash. The very idea can cause anxiety, despite air travel being one of the safest modes of transportation. But here’s the truth: your...

Will Humans Ever Become a Type 1 Civilization?

Will Humans Ever Become a Type 1 Civilization?   What does the future of humanity look like? Will we continue expanding our technological prowess until we harness the full power of our planet? Or will we collapse under the weight of our own progress, long before...

Bushcraft Simulator

🌲 Bushcraft SimulatorThe Survival Game We Didn’t Know We NeededIf you're a fan of survival games, nature, or just enjoy testing your limits against the wild, there's a new game on the horizon that you need to keep on your radar: Bushcraft Simulator.   This one’s...

10 Tips on How to Fall Asleep in Extreme Cold

10 Tips on How to Fall Asleep in Extreme Cold    Sleeping in extreme cold is one of the toughest challenges in bushcraft. Without proper preparation, exposure to low temperatures can lead to discomfort, restlessness, and even hypothermia. The Arctic Circle and...

5 Incredible Short Survival Stories from 2025

5 Incredible Short Survival Stories from 2025Survival stories have always captivated the human imagination, showcasing resilience, courage, and the incredible power of the human will. In 2025, several extraordinary survival incidents have made headlines, demonstrating...

How to survive a plunge over a waterfall

How to survive a plunge over a waterfallThere are countless scenes in movies where people are being chased along a river that comes to a waterfall, only to safely get swept over the falls before washing up on a bank just far enough away from whoever was chasing them....

Has there ever been life on Mars?

Has there ever been life on Mars?The survival of our species depends on our ability to adapt. When we need more things we farm and build, when climates become too inhospitable, we either move or find a way to survive there. This has been the way humans have survived...

The Dangers of Eating Insects and Creepy Crawlies

The Dangers of Eating Insects and Creepy CrawliesForaging for food in the wild is an essential skill in bushcraft and survival. From berries and mushrooms to edible plants and small game, nature provides a variety of resources. However, some survivalists and foragers...

Tips to Make a Bushcraft Knife Last a Lifetime

Tips to Make a Bushcraft Knife Last a LifetimeA bushcraft knife is more than just a tool; it’s an essential companion for outdoor survival, woodcraft, and everyday wilderness tasks. A high-quality bushcraft knife, when properly maintained, can last a lifetime and even...