Canary Islands La Gomera taking 1000 captives to be sold as slaves. Another noteworthy attack occurred in 1797, when Santa Cruz de Tenerife was attacked by a British fleet under Horatio Nelson on 25 July. The British were repulsed, losing almost 400 men. It was during this battle that Nelson lost his right arm. The sugar-based economy of the islands faced stiff competition from Spain's American colonies. Low prices in the sugar market in the 19th century caused severe recessions on the islands. A new cash crop, cochineal ("cochinilla"), came into cultivation during this time, saving the islands' economy. During this time
Religion in the Canary Islands subdued on the islands of Lanzarote, Fuerteventura, La Gomera and El Hierro will be baptized, as well as their followers. In 1424, Pope Martin V erected in Betancuria the "Bishopric of Fuerteventura", which encompassed all the Canary Islands except the island of Lanzarote. This bishopric was abolished just seven years after it was created in 1431. In the mid-fifteenth century there is evidence of the presence of Christian missionaries in the western Canary Islands, because around 1450 is based in the area of the modern municipality of Candelaria in Tenerife a hermitage consisting of three friars led by friar Alfonso