In June, the colonists made contact with the fleet of Sir Francis Drake, on his way back to England from successful campaigns in Santo Domingo, Cartagena, and St. Augustine.
During these raids, Drake had acquired refugees, slaves, and hardware with the intent of delivering them to Raleigh's colony.
Upon learning of the colony's misfortunes, Drake agreed to leave behind four months of supplies and one of his ships, the Francis.
However, a hurricane hit the Outer Banks, sweeping Francis out to sea.

After the storm, Lane persuaded his men to evacuate the colony, and Drake agreed to take them back to England.
Manteo and an associate, Towaye, joined them.
Three of Lane's colonists were left behind and never heard from again.
Because the colony was abandoned, it is unclear what became of the slaves and refugees Drake had meant to place there.
There is no record of them arriving in England with the fleet, and it is possible Drake left them on Roanoke with some of the goods he had previously set aside for Lane.
Drake's fleet, along with Lane's colonists, reached England in July 1586.
Upon arrival, the colonists introduced tobacco, maize, and potatoes to England.
In June, the colonists made contact with the fleet of Sir Francis Drake, on his way back to England from successful campaigns in Santo Domingo, Cartagena, and St. Augustine. During these raids, Drake had acquired refugees, slaves, and hardware with the intent of delivering them to Raleigh's colony. Upon learning of the colony's misfortunes, Drake agreed to leave behind four months of supplies and one of his ships, the Francis. However, a hurricane hit the Outer Banks, sweeping Francis out to sea.
After the storm, Lane persuaded his men to evacuate the colony, and Drake agreed to take them back to England. Manteo and an associate, Towaye, joined them. Three of Lane's colonists were left behind and never heard from again. Because the colony was abandoned, it is unclear what became of the slaves and refugees Drake had meant to place there. There is no record of them arriving in England with the fleet, and it is possible Drake left them on Roanoke with some of the goods he had previously set aside for Lane. Drake's fleet, along with Lane's colonists, reached England in July 1586. Upon arrival, the colonists introduced tobacco, maize, and potatoes to England.
Roanoke Colony