Gaspard Théodore Mollien

Gaspard Théodore Mollien (29 August 1796, in Paris – 28 June 1872, in Nice) was a French diplomat and explorer.

In July 1816, as a passenger aboard the Medusa en route to Saint-Louis, Senegal, he became shipwrecked to the south of Cap Blanc.

He survived the ordeal, and eventually made his way to Gorée Island, where he worked as a hospital manager.

During the following year he was tasked by the colonial governor to recognize the sources of the Senegal and Gambia rivers.

In 1819 he was awarded the Cross of the Legion of Honor for his African exploits.