The penal colonies that the British established in Australia during the 18th and the 19th centuries were nearly impossible to escape from. Surrounded by oceans and a vast, unforgiving desert in the interior, most escape attempts usually ended with the convicts either drowning or dying of starvation in the bush. Although hundreds of attempts were made, very few prisoners actually succeeded to achieve freedom. Among them was William Bryant, his wife Mary Bryant, his two children and seven other convicts. This motley group of prisoners pulled off one of the most incredible sea voyages on an open boat.
William Bryant’s escape from Australia in 1791. Source: The World’s News 9 Sep 1931
Source: amusingplanet.com