1668
Hieronimus Cruse ordered to explore the south-east coast
The VOC sent Hieronimus Cruse and fifteen men by yacht toward Mossel Bay in 1668, with orders to explore the coast and return overland.
View in timelineIn August 1668 the yacht Voerman carried Corporal Hieronimus Cruse and fifteen men from Table Bay toward Mossel Bay. Their instructions combined coastal reconnaissance with an overland return through the interior. The yacht reached the coast as far as the later St Francis Bay before turning back, while Cruse’s party travelled inland and made contact with the Attakwa.
Significance
The expedition connected maritime reconnaissance with inland travel, livestock interests and information about communities and routes east of the Cape settlement.
Why it matters
The expedition connected maritime reconnaissance with inland travel, livestock interests and information about communities and routes east of the Cape settlement.