Local author unearths pirate legend for next generation of readers

LOCAL legend suggests that in the 1700s, a pirate by the name of Benito Benita fled Peru with treasures stolen from the Lima Cathedral.

With the British Army hot on his tail, so the myth goes, Benito travelled to Port Phillip Heads, found himself in what is now known as Swan Bay, and chose a site along the cliffs to stash his treasure.

While Benito was eventually captured and killed, it is believed his cabin boy managed to escape with a map leading to the treasure tattooed on his arm – a rumour that, all these years later, has helped keep the legend alive.

Historical records suggest that over the years, including as recently as the 1990s, people took up the search for the lost treasure with the hope of uncovering its fabled riches, but no one has ever admitted to finding anything.

Captivated by Benito’s story, local author and primary school teacher Melissa Wray has used the legend has inspiration for her latest book, The Lost Loot of Lima, a middle-grade fiction story filled with fun, adventure and local history.

The book follows 10-year-old Benjamin, a treasure hunter grappling with the recent loss of his grandfather, who discovers he is the descendant of Benito the pirate and sets out with his nan to track down the treasure.

“Benjamin has this one last treasure hunt, which in a sense is a way to say goodbye to his Pop after his death,” Wray said.

“It’s a little bit of fun, a little bit of adventure, a little bit of action, a little bit of history, but also a little bit of sadness, because his grandpa has died, and he has to say goodbye to him in the best way a 10-year-old boy can.”

It marks new territory for Wray whose last three novels have been written for young adult audiences and it’s a challenge she is eager to take on again.

“I always wanted to come back and write for that younger audience and this book’s made that happen,” Wray said.

She hopes the book will engage young readers and maybe even inspire the next generation of explorers and wanderers.

“Everyone loves a treasure story, a pirate story, an adventure story, so [I hope] to help these young people bring their imaginations to life.”

The Lost Loot of Lima is also the first of Wray’s books to also include illustrations, which were drawn for the story by children’s book illustrator Sandy Flett.

For those eager to learn more about the legend of Benito’s treasure, Wray has included some historical research notes at the back of the book.

The Lost Loot of Lima is available for purchase at the Queenscliffe Maritime Museum, where the book’s official launch will be held on June 1, and local bookstores.