Unveiling of Wiebbe Hayes Statue in Geraldton

On 4 June 1629 the Verenigde Oostindische Compagnie (VOC or Dutch East India Company) ship the Batavia was wrecked on Morning Reef in the Wallabi Group of the Abrolhos Islands, 60 km off the coast of Geraldton in WA. This occurred in the early hours of the morning and about 40 souls perished, but another 275 made it to the nearby islands, specks of coral really. In dire need of water, Commandeur Francisco Pelsaert searched other islands without success and then headed for the mainland in a yawl with about 40 of the crew. They had no success there, so the decision was made to head for Batavia (modern day Jakarta) in Java, over 2000 km away, to get help. In Pelsaert’s absence a mutiny broke out, the infamous Batavia Mutiny. The Uppermerchant Jeronimus Corneliszoon, the most senior officer at the wrecksite, who had been plotting to seize the Batavia even before it sank, was the main perpetrator.

OBJECTIVES
Given the crucial role of Wiebbe Hayes and bravery in resisting the mutiny, saving many lives in the process, and his quick-thinking in forestalling the mutineers’ plot to seize the Sardam, it is little wonder Wiebbe Hayes has attracted a lot of attention. He is often described, quite fittingly, as the hero in a very sorry episode. In recognition of his role the Batavia Coast Maritime Heritage Association has been raising funds and arranging for the sculpting and casting of a statue of Wiebbe Hayes. Their efforts came to fruition in November with the unveiling of the statue in Geraldton. Costing \$50,000 (provided by the BCMHA and City of Geraldton-Greenough), the statue shows a defiant Hayes bearing one of the pikes the Defenders had made. The honour of unveiling the statue fell on someone with a famous connection to the
Batavia, Max Cramer, who co-discovered of the wreck on 4 June 1963.

See also:
Bob Urquehart (Expert)

Batavia Coast Maritime Heritage Association (Organisation)
City of Geraldton-Greenough (Organisation)

Max Cramer (1934-2010) (Expert)

Batavia Coast Maritime Heritage Association (Organisation)
City of Geraldton-Greenough (Organisation)