Joshua Slocum (Nova Escócia, February 20, 1844 – Disappeared at sea around November 14, 1909) was a sailor, writer, and adventurer, a citizen of the United States of America, although born in Canada. He wrote books about his adventures and became known for being the first to sail solo around the world. In November 1909, Joshua Slocum was last seen leaving the Orinoco River on the Spray, and he disappeared. It was presumed that he may have shipwrecked due to a collision with a whale or another larger boat. He was legally declared dead in 1924.