Batavia Model Ships

Although Batavia got shipwrecked on its maiden voyage, it still has an infamous history of violence and deceit. Built in 1628 for the Dutch East India Company, it embarked with a fleet of eleven ships to supply spices, under the command of Francisco Pelsaert with skipper Ariaen Jacobsz. On June 4th, 1629 Batavia ran aground when it struck The Morning Reef on the Western Australian coast. Around 40 people drowned in the wreck. Others sought shelter in two of the nearby islands using the ship’s longboats.

Batavia Wreckage: The Aftermath

Animosity between Pelsaert and Jacobsz led to a string of events and a mutiny which was controlled just before the Batavia sank. Jacob Cornelisz, a merchant aboard the Batavia, had a key role to play in causing the mutiny. Even after the Batavia sank, he plotted to use the riches on the Batavia and build his own kingdom. On the island where his group was deported, he planned to kill his opponents and anyone who would be a burden on their limited resources. A massacre ensued and through his powers of persuasion, Cornelisz coerced others to commit murders on various pretexts. Due to this, his followers murdered close to 110 people including women and children. After months of barbaric acts, all the mutineers were captured by Pelsaert.

A life size replica of the Batavia was constructed in the Netherlands and transported to Australia where it is moored in Sydney at the National Maritime Museum. Shipwrecked remains of the original Batavia are also on display in the Western Australian Museum. Some of the wreckage of Batavia lies in situ, making the spot one of the premier diving sites on the Western Australian Coast.