Photograph n°14
Metallic cross, Le Gouffre at Etang-Salé, 2019.
Photo: Eric VENNER DE BERNARDY DE SIGOYER
Historical and technical data
The site of the metal cross is at a place called le chasm located in the south-west of Reunion on the territory of the commune of Etang Salé.
The Etang Salé abyss has a natural corridor on the surface which, penetrated by the breaking waves, creates a phenomenon of sea water being pushed back on the surface.
Scattered on the site are countless funerary crosses that recall accidents and disappearances at sea.
Figure 1: commemorative plaque
Photo: Eric VENNER DE BERNARDY DE SIGOYER
The website
The site of the metallic cross is on a morphological advance formed by volcanic lava flows. The site presents on the surface a metal piece in the shape of a cross. This representation can be interpreted as the symbolism of the cross of Jesus Christ. This cross positioned upright is sealed in a base made of concrete. The corroded cross post is bent at the intersection.
A commemorative plaque is positioned at the base of the funeral cross on the ground (Figure 1). The glazed sign is framed by a white porcelain stoneware border. The epitaph is illegible. Nearby, a broken marble slab indicates for visible reading "LEPERLIER disappeared at sea on (missing part) at the age of (missing part)" This observation is part of our census of the graves of sailors and the missing at sea.