Historic Dutch merchant vessel located after 168 years
Marine archaeologists have confirmed the discovery of the Koning Willem de Tweede shipwreck, a Dutch merchant vessel lost in 1857 off the coast of Robe, South Australia. The wreck, lying submerged for over 160 years, was identified following a four-year search led by the Australian National Maritime Museum in partnership with the Silentworld Foundation, Flinders University, and South Australia’s Department for Environment and Water.
The 800-ton ship sank in June 1857, tragically claiming the lives of 16 out of 25 crew members. The discovery is hailed as a significant milestone in maritime archaeology, offering insights into 19th-century sea trade and migration routes. Only days before its sinking, the vessel had disembarked over 400 Chinese miners, linking it to a broader historical narrative of Asian migration during the gold rush era.
Archaeological mission confirms wreck’s identity
According to James Hunter, acting manager of maritime archaeology at the museum, components such as the windlass a device used to raise or lower anchors were found protruding from the seabed. A magnetic anomaly matching the ship’s length of 140 feet further solidified the identification.
The search was greatly challenged by poor underwater visibility, yet the survey team’s analysis of the ship’s draught and water depth closely matched historical records. Hunter noted that the vessel may have run aground and been buried by sand, preserving its remains until modern survey techniques revealed its location.
The mission has been backed by both the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Cultural Heritage Agency of the Netherlands, reflecting a shared interest in preserving maritime heritage. Further monitoring visits are planned to examine the wreck site in greater detail and safeguard this cultural treasure.
