Historians and marine archaeologists in Australia have successfully located the wreckage of an 800-ton Dutch merchant ship, *Koning Willem de Tweede*, which was lost more than 160 years ago. This ship, which sank near Robe, Australia, in June 1857, is now believed to have been found after a four-year search led by the Australian National Maritime Museum and the SilentWorld Foundation. The discovery has been hailed as a ‘significant discovery,’ offering valuable insights into 19th-century maritime history and the broader context of trade and migration during that period.
The ship’s sinking in 1857 resulted in the loss of 16 out of its 25 crew members, including over 400 Chinese miners who had been transported aboard just days prior. This revelation underscores the historical significance of the find, as it connects modern researchers to the complex networks of trade and labor migration that shaped Australia’s development during the 19th century. The Australian National Maritime Museum highlighted the discovery’s potential to provide a unique source of knowledge on this era, emphasizing its value to scholars and the public alike.
The identification of the wreck involved a combination of advanced underwater archaeology and collaboration between multiple institutions, including the SilentWorld Foundation, South Australia’s Department for Environment and Water, and Flinders University. James Hunter, acting manager of maritime archaeology at the museum, confirmed that the wreck was found near the seabed, with researchers identifying key components such as the ship’s windlass, a crucial piece of maritime equipment used to operate the ship’s machinery. The team also noted a ‘magnetic anomaly’ that matched the ship’s expected dimensions, further strengthening their confidence in the identification.
The discovery was supported by international partners, including the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Cultural Heritage Agency of the Netherlands, underscoring the global interest in preserving and understanding maritime history. The team anticipates future monitoring visits to continue assessing the site and uncovering more information about the ship’s history and its role in the broader context of 19th-century maritime trade and exploration. This collaborative effort highlights the importance of international cooperation in archaeological research and the significance of preserving historical artifacts for future generations.