Îles de Los
Îles de Los (English: Loose Islands) are an island group lying off Conakry in Guinea. There are three main islands: Tamara (Fortoba), Kassa and Roume, while Coraille, Blanche and Cabris are smaller islands to the south.
History
The islands have been inhabited for a long time and rose to prominence for their role in slave trade. In 1755 Miles Barber of the African Company of Liverpool established a factory there employing workers skilled in ship repair as well as pilots for the local rivers. This led to Kassa being known as 'Factory Island'.[1]
The British took possession of them, then handed them to France in 1904 in exchange for France relinquishing fishing rights in Newfoundland and Labrador. Roume is said to have inspired the novel Treasure Island, while Tamara was used as a prison.
The islands are best known for their beaches and forested interiors and are popular with tourists. Ferries sail to the Los from Conakry.
References
- Barb Rayner (29 July 2003). "Grand Manan to twin with African Islands". The Saint Croix Courier. Retrieved 2009-04-16.
Coordinates: 9°28′37″N 13°47′08″W / 9.4769°N 13.7855°W