Science

Long-Lost Dutch Shipwreck Found Off South Australian Coast After 160 Years

Australian maritime archaeologists believe they have uncovered the wreckage of the Dutch frigate Koning Willem de Tweede, lost in 1857. The ship, which was 42 meters long and launched in The Hague in 1840, disappeared during a violent storm off the coast of South Australia. Buried beneath layers of sand in the bay near Robe, the wreck remained hidden for over 160 years.

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The vessel had just transported Chinese miners from Hong Kong to the goldfields of Victoria. After safely dropping off hundreds of passengers near Robe, the ship was caught in fierce winds while attempting to weather a storm. With severe damage to the vessel, the captain grounded it on a nearby sandbank to prevent it from sinking. During the attempt, the hull split in two, and 16 of the 25 crew members died when their lifeboat capsized as they tried to escape.

 

Challenges in the Search

Despite the shipwreck's proximity to land, its exact location remained unknown for more than a century due to constantly shifting sand in the bay. Divers described the underwater conditions as extremely difficult, with sand easily disturbed and lingering in the water like a "sandstorm." Lead researcher James Hunter explained that minimal movement in the water could stir up sediment and reduce visibility drastically.

 

Efforts to locate the wreck began in 2022. Though early signs were found, visibility challenges slowed progress. The team made a breakthrough this year using metal detectors to pinpoint the site. During one of the dives, Hunter nearly collided with the ship's anchor windlass, a mechanical part used to raise and lower the anchor, which was still standing upright in the sand. Most of the ship remains buried, but key elements matched historical details about the Koning Willem de Tweede, confirming its identity.

 

Historical Context and Next Steps

The frigate was part of a larger 19th-century mission to transport laborers to Australia's goldfields. In 1857, it carried about 400 Chinese miners who, after being dropped at Robe, had to walk approximately 400 kilometers to reach the mines in Victoria. This unusual disembarkation point was chosen to avoid heavy landing taxes in that region.

 

Researchers plan to return for further dives to uncover more of the vessel and retrieve artifacts. The find is considered especially valuable as there is limited knowledge about 19th-century ships compared to earlier centuries, making this discovery an important contribution to maritime history.


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