The prison island that was located off the coast of French Guiana was known as Devil's Island.

Devil's Island, also known as Île du Diable, was one of the infamous penal colonies that operated in French Guiana from 1852 until 1953. This small island, along with the neighboring islands of Île Royale and Saint-Joseph Island, formed the largest and most notorious penitentiary system in France's history.

The penal colony on Devil's Island was established by Emperor Napoleon III and was primarily used to house political prisoners, including some of France's most dangerous criminals. The harsh and isolated conditions of the island made it nearly impossible for prisoners to escape, earning it a reputation as one of the most secure prisons in the world.

Devil's Island gained international recognition due to the wrongful imprisonment of Captain Alfred Dreyfus, a French artillery officer who was wrongly convicted of treason in 1894. Dreyfus was sent to the penal colony on Devil's Island, where he spent nearly five years before his eventual exoneration and release.

The prison on Devil's Island was closed in 1953, and the buildings were left to decay. Today, the island is part of the Salvation Islands, a group of islands that have become a tourist attraction. Visitors can explore the ruins of the former prison, including the cells, guard towers, and administrative buildings, to learn about the dark history of the penal colony.

The story of Devil's Island has inspired numerous books, movies, and documentaries, further cementing its place in history. The island's remote location and its association with France's most notorious criminals make it a fascinating destination for those interested in the history of crime and punishment.

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