THE legends of Grace Bussell and Sam Isaacs have been challenged in a new historical novel written by Perth author Marcia van Zeller.
Grace Bussell and Sam Isaacs have been long celebrated for their part in rescuing survivors from the Georgette shipwreck at Injidup Beach in 1876.
The tale told suggests Ms Bussell and Mr Isaacs rode their horses down the limestone cliffs and pulled survivors out of the ocean.
While Ms van Zeller believes the actions of Grace Bussell and Sam Isaacs were somewhat heroic she does not believe they were responsible for the rescue of so many lives.
Ms van Zeller who has been visiting the South West for many years was plagued by the heritage plaque at Redgate Beach which pays tribute to the rescue.
“Looking over the beach and seeing turbulence of water I wondered whether it really could have occurred because the surf is so treacherous and strong,” she said.
“I came across eye witness reports and it wasn’t quite the same way.”
Ms van Zeller found letters written by survivors of the Georgette disaster tell a different story about what happened on that fateful day.
“The very wonderful story of the two horseback riders was over stated and exaggerated,” she said.
“How it was recorded wasn’t how it happened.
“The inquiry didn’t mention anyone on horseback but it did mention the crew.”
Ms van Zeller believes the testimonies from the crew and survivors were credible particularly George Leake who was a law student and later Premier of WA.
Grace Bussell and Sam Isaacs received medals for their bravery but Ms van Zeller believes other people deserve recognition for the roles they played in the rescue.
It was Quindalup families the McGregors, Scott’s, Abbey’s and Overton’s who opened their homes to survivors including those who lost children.
Busselton Museum volunteer Kate Sutherland a distant relative of Ms Bussell said the story has been challenged in the past.
“It was suggested that Sam Isaacs did a lot more than what was reported,” she said.
Ms van Zeller’s book is called The Capes and is available in paperback through the WA Maritime Museum or an e-book through the Amazon Kindle Store.
