Memorial Tablet for Victory over Sea Pirates War memorial

In July 1910, a dark cloud hung over Coloane Village. Pirates had invaded, holding the community hostage and demanding an exorbitant ransom. Imagine the fear gripping the villagers as they watched these ruthless seafaring bandits terrorize their homes. The Memorial Tablet for Victory over Sea Pirates War memorial stands as a testament to the courage and resilience of those who faced this terrifying ordeal. The Memorial Tablet for Victory over Sea Pirates War memorial commemorates the victory over these pirates and the restoration of peace to Coloane. The pirates, known for preying on fishing villages along the coast, had become increasingly bold, culminating in the kidnapping of eighteen Chinese children. The ransom demand of 35,000 Macau Patacas was a staggering sum in those days. The Portuguese governor, recognizing the gravity of the situation, mobilized a force of 45 men and dispatched the gunboat “Macau” from Hong Kong. The ensuing battle raged for ten days, ultimately resulting in the pirates’ defeat. The gunboat’s bombardment, though causing some damage to Coloane Village, marked the end of the pirates’ reign of terror. All eighteen children were rescued and taken to St. Raphael’s Hospital, which later became the Portuguese Consulate. The Memorial Tablet for Victory over Sea Pirates War memorial, located in the main square of Coloane Village, directly in front of the Chapel of St. Francis Xavier, bears inscriptions in both Portuguese and Chinese, commemorating the “glorious efforts” of the Portuguese army on July 13, 1910. This monument serves as a reminder of the day the pirates were vanquished and the children returned to safety. It offers a poignant reflection on the history of piracy in Macau’s waters, a stark contrast to the vibrant and peaceful atmosphere that permeates Coloane Village today. As you stand before the Memorial Tablet for Victory over Sea Pirates War memorial, take a moment to appreciate the tranquility of the village and the bravery of those who fought to protect it.