The fate of the castaways not accompanying Vaca and his immediate crew was largely grim, with many succumbing to illness and the harsh realities of their isolated existence. While some attempted to forge their own paths to survival, those lacking the support and protection of Indigenous groups faced insurmountable challenges.
The Harsh Realities of Survival
Upon being stranded, the castaways were separated by circumstance and the unforgiving environment. Their attempts to survive independently often proved fatal. The lack of resources, understanding of the local ecosystem, and communal support severely hampered their chances.
- Isolation and Exposure: Without established shelter or consistent access to sustenance, many were vulnerable to the elements and starvation.
- Lack of Indigenous Support: A critical factor in survival was integration or at least temporary custody with local hunter-gatherer groups. Those who did not manage to secure such relationships perished, unable to cope with the unfamiliar land and its dangers.
Illness and Its Impact
A significant cause of death among the castaways was disease, which they unfortunately also introduced to the native populations.
- Prevalent Sickness: A "stomach disease" was particularly deadly among the stranded Europeans. This ailment, likely brought by the castaways themselves, decimated their numbers.
- Devastating for Locals: The same disease had a catastrophic impact on the "Indians of this land," leading to the deaths of half of their population during the first winter following the castaways' arrival. This highlights the vulnerability of Indigenous communities to foreign diseases for which they had no immunity.
In essence, the castaways not with Vaca and his group faced a desperate struggle against sickness, starvation, and the unforgiving wilderness, with only those who managed to gain the support of Indigenous communities having a chance at prolonged survival.
