Nicolau Coelho was born about 1460 in Portugal and he died in 1502 in Mozambique. Nicolau was a Portuguese navigator and explorer who participated in the voyage of the discovery of the route to India with Vasco da Gama. He was commanding the ship ‘Berrio’ which was the first to return. It was his ship that was also the first to reach Mozambique and make contact with the Sultan of Quiloa. He was also the captain of the ship in a fleet of thirteen which made the discovery of Brazil under Pedro Alvares Cabral. They sailed to Mozambique, Kenya, Tanzania and finally reached India.
Do you know: Nicolau Coelho, on his return from the discovery of the route, was given a generous pension, lands and a new coat of arms. He was also made the Knight of the Royal House.
