A man sneaked onto a banned island to visit an uncontacted tribe. It ended badly.

On November 15, 2018, John Allen Chau embarked on a daring expedition to North Sentinel Island—a remote and forbidden locale where his journey tragically ended. The island, located in the Bay of Bengal and part of India's Andaman Islands, is notorious for its inhabitants' fierce resistance to outsiders. The indigenous people of North Sentinel, known as the Sentinels, are one of the world’s most isolated tribes, living in complete seclusion from the modern world. This isolation has persisted for thousands of years, preserving their traditional way of life untouched by outside influences. The Sentinels’ isolation is a conscious choice, and they are known for their aggressive defense of their territory against intruders.

Chau, a 26-year-old with a deep-rooted faith and an adventurous spirit, made a series of diary entries in the days leading up to his death. These writings reveal his inner turmoil and fears as he approached the island. Chau's final journal entries describe his fear of death and his reflections on the beauty of the sunset, wondering if it would be his last. His determination to reach the Sentinels stemmed from his belief that they needed to hear about Jesus to save their souls—a mission he felt was divinely ordained despite the risks.

John Chau's fatal error lay in his audacious attempt to impose his religious beliefs on a group that had expressly chosen to remain untouched by the outside world. His mission was driven by a belief in his own superiority and a conviction that he alone could bring salvation to these people. Despite the warnings from his friends, family, and the extensive history of failed and dangerous attempts to contact the Sentinels, Chau proceeded with his plan.

The story of North Sentinel Island is a tale of an isolated existence that has been preserved for millennia. The Sentinels have managed to remain virtually untouched by modern civilization, living a lifestyle that is as ancient as it is enigmatic. They speak a language that is not known to outsiders and continue to use traditional methods for sustenance, having not adopted agriculture. Genetic studies suggest that they have been isolated for at least 30,000 years. Their way of life is so detached from the modern world that they are unaware of contemporary concepts such as iPhones or cars. Their isolation has protected them from diseases and external influences, a factor that has contributed to their continued survival in a world that has otherwise advanced rapidly.

Interactions with the Sentinels have historically been fraught with danger. Various attempts to contact the tribe, whether through scientific expeditions or colonial endeavors, have resulted in violent reactions from the islanders. In 1863, when a shipwrecked crew from the Indian merchant vessel Nineveh drifted to the island, they were met with hostility. Although they were eventually rescued, this encounter set a precedent for the dangerous nature of attempting to approach the Sentinels.

Colonial attempts to make contact in the late 19th century, particularly by British officer Maurice Vidal Portman, were marked by unethical practices including kidnapping and exposing the Sentinels to diseases. Portman's efforts only succeeded in increasing the tribe's hostility towards outsiders. The Indian government, recognizing the danger and the need to respect the tribe’s wishes, enacted a law in 1956 prohibiting travel within five nautical miles of the island. Despite this, scientific missions in the 1960s and 1970s, led by anthropologist TN Pandit, involved dropping off gifts while maintaining a safe distance. These missions, although intended to be non-invasive, still contributed to the tribe's wariness of outsiders.

Despite these precautions, incidents continued to occur. The 2004 tsunami saw helicopters surveying the island, which led to the Sentinels attacking the aircraft with arrows. In 2006, two crab fishermen who accidentally drifted onto the island were killed by the Sentinels, who later displayed their bodies in a manner that indicated a clear message of non-acceptance of intrusion.

John Chau's journey was the most recent and ultimately the most tragic of these encounters. Chau had a background in sports medicine and had studied at Oral Roberts University before shifting his focus to missionary work. Influenced by a strong sense of divine mission and a desire to save the Sentinels, he undertook multiple preparations, including training with All Nations, a missionary organization, and making several preliminary trips to the Andaman Islands. His goal was to live among the Sentinels, learn their language, and share his religious beliefs.

On November 14, 2018, Chau and his accomplices—a group of local fishermen—set out for North Sentinel Island under the cover of night, avoiding detection by Indian authorities. Chau’s initial attempts to approach the island were met with resistance from the Sentinels, who responded with hostile gestures. Undeterred, Chau made a second attempt, managing to land on the island and offer gifts. His presence was met with increasing hostility, culminating in an incident where a boy shot an arrow that pierced the Bible Chau was holding. The missionary retreated but vowed to continue his mission.

The following day, Chau made a final attempt to reach the island. When the fishermen returned, they reported seeing his body being dragged and buried by the Sentinels. The circumstances of his death remain unclear, but it is believed that he was killed by the tribe as a result of his persistent intrusion.

The aftermath of Chau's death involved legal and ethical questions. The Indian government, which had previously maintained a strict policy of non-contact with the Sentinels, faced criticism and legal challenges regarding those who had assisted Chau. While the Indian authorities registered a case against unknown tribesmen, they refrained from taking further action due to the risk involved in engaging with the tribe.

John Chau's family publicly forgave the Sentinels and appealed for leniency towards those who assisted their son. The tragic outcome of Chau’s mission ignited debates on the ethics of missionary work, the respect for indigenous peoples' autonomy, and the dangers of imposing external beliefs on isolated communities. Critics argued that Chau's actions reflected a failure to respect the Sentinels' desire for isolation and were indicative of a broader problem within evangelical missionary practices.

In conclusion, the story of John Allen Chau is a stark reminder of the complexities and risks involved in attempting to contact isolated tribes. The Sentinels’ continued isolation is a testament to their resilience and a reflection of their choice to remain unperturbed by the outside world. Chau's death underscores the importance of respecting the autonomy and wishes of indigenous peoples, acknowledging their right to live according to their own traditions and values without external interference.