Héctor Ruiz
El Diablo del Este Héctor Ruiz | |
|---|---|
 Portrait of Héctor Ruiz, 1714 | |
| Born | 18 August 1679 Riomare |
| Disappeared | 3 February 1721 (aged 41) |
| Died | Unknown |
| Nationality | Pecario |
| Occupation | Pirate |
| Years active | 1700-1721 |
| Piratical career | |
| Nickname | El Diablo del Este |
| Allegiance | Kingdom of Pecario Pirate Republic |
| Base of operations | Quingming Sea Synthe Sea |
Héctor Ruiz, (18 August 1679 - 03 February 1721), known by many in his time as El Diablo del Este (The Devil of the East), was a Pecarian pirate operating in the Quingming Sea and Synthe Sea. He was famous for the largest heist ever taken by a pirate, and became the most wanted man in the wurld. Ruiz is one of the founders and leaders of the Republic of Pirates.
Biography
Héctor Ruiz joined the Pecarian Royal Navy later in life. He took part in the Emerald War where he served as the second to Admiral Lucon de Alcanez on the galleon El Vencedor. After the conflict, he became captain of the Esmeralada, Ruiz eventually left the Royal Navy, seeking out riches for gain.He then attacked the rich commercial ships of the Yellow Empire for 5 years, making Ruiz the most wanted man by the Yellow Empire.
Jade Flower Heist
In January 1704, Ruiz — aboard his ship the Esmeralada — joined forces with other pirate captains, and sailed to the Turtle Sea. Ruiz was elected admiral of the pirate ship flotilla and commanded a total of over 300 pirates. There, they ambushed the Yellow Imperial fleet. The treasure convoy was comprised of twenty ships including the flagship Yù Huā (Jade Flower). The pirates eventually caught the Imperial convoy two or three days later. Ruiz's opening broadside destroyed the mainmast of the ship, crippling it in the water. With the ship incapacitated, Ruiz and his crew boarded and the pirates fought for two to three hours.
Eventually, the Imperials surrendered. Ruiz lost many of his crew in the raid. The Jade Flower was carrying nearly $600,000 in precious metals and jewels. This made Ruiz one of the richest pirates to ever exist a the time.
Head of the Pirate Republic
Ruiz took refuge in the Alcazara archipelago and was welcomed by the Lysian corsair François Charleroy, who had established a proto-state there. Charleroy proposed to assist him in managing the new pirate state. Ruiz accepted and remained the leader of the Republic until his disappearance. Ruiz continued to plunder merchant ships in the Bay of Manamana and the Lotus Sea until he mysteriously vanished in 1721.
Disapperance
The end of Héctor Ruiz's life remains shrouded in mystery. Despite his reputation as one of the most notorious pirates of his time, Ruiz vanished without a trace in 1721, leaving behind speculation and legend. Some accounts suggest that he met his end in a violent skirmish at sea, while others suggest he may have chosen to retire quietly, disappearing into obscurity with his ill-gotten gains. Despite extensive efforts by authorities and historians to uncover the truth, the mystery of Hector Ruiz's final days endures.