Cornelis Thomas Wobma surveys the west coast

In 1677, Governor IJsbrand Godske’s administration sent Cornelis Thomas Wobma north along the west coast. The expedition investigated coastal geography, communities and the possible limits of VOC settlement, extending the pattern of reconnaissance that had taken earlier parties toward Namaqua and the Overberg. Older accounts render his surname as Hobma.

Significance

The journey extended VOC intelligence into Nama and coastal territories and informed later attempts to connect west-coast reconnaissance with trade and inland exploration.