Casto Mendez Nunez

Casto Méndez Núñez was born in a noble family in Vigo, Galicia, Spain on July 1, 1824. He had a passion for the sea since his childhood and joined the Spanish Navy as a midshipman in 1838. He participated in various naval campaigns and expeditions in Africa, America, and Asia. He distinguished himself for his bravery, skill, and leadership in several battles and actions. In 1866, he was appointed as the general commander of the Spanish fleet in the Pacific during the Chincha Islands War between Spain, Peru and Chile. He led his squadron to bombard and destroy the port of Valparaíso, Chile on March 31, 1866, causing great damage and outrage to the Chilean government and people. He then sailed to Peru and fought the Battle of Callao on May 2, 1866, where he faced a strong resistance from the Peruvian coastal batteries and ships. He was wounded nine times during the battle, but managed to withdraw his fleet without losing any ship. He then decided to circumnavigate the world on his flagship, the ironclad Numancia, becoming the first man to achieve this feat on such a vessel. He arrived back in Spain in 1868, after visiting various ports and countries along the way. He was received with great honors and acclaim by the Spanish government and public. He was promoted to vice admiral and awarded several decorations and titles. He married María del Carmen de la Gándara y Navarro-Rubio in 1852 and had four children with her. He was also a member of several scientific and cultural societies and institutions. He died of tuberculosis in Madrid on August 21, 1869, at the age of 45. He was buried with full military honors in the San Francisco el Grande Basilica in Madrid. His name is honored in many streets, squares, monuments, and institutions throughout Spain. His legacy lives on in the Spanish naval history and tradition.