Main Club 31 May 2025

The WA Shipwrecks Museum is the foremost maritime archaeology museum in the southern hemisphere. It features hundreds of relics from ships wrecked along Western Australia’s treacherous coastline, yielding a fascinating collection of artefacts that provides a glimpse into 17th- to 19th-century maritime life. The preservation of Batavia artefacts was a meticulous process that involved advanced conservation techniques to ensure their survival after being underwater for centuries.

Key Historical Significances

1. First European Contact with Australia.
2. Mutiny and Massacre – a brutal mutiny resulted in the murder of over 125 survivors, including women and children.
3. First European Executions in Australia.

 Notable exhibits we saw included:

• The de Vlamingh Dish: an artefact from early European exploration.
• Artefacts from Dutch shipwrecks such as the Zuytdorp, Zeewijk, and Vergulde Draeck.
• Ship Timbers – The reconstructed stern of the Batavia, a Dutch ship that was wrecked in 1629, highlighting the ship’s original structure.
• Weapons and Cannons – Several cannons and muskets were recovered from wrecks, including a 28-pound cannon that was carefully restored.
• Personal Items – Items such as Dutch clay pipes, spoons, and gorgets (neck armour) were found, reflecting the daily lives of the crew and passengers.
• Coins and Trade Goods – Silver coins and other valuables were discovered, highlighting the ship’s role in the Dutch East India Company trade.
• Portico Façade – A replica of the grand stone arch, intended for installation in Batavia (modern-day Jakarta), is displayed in the museum.
• Human Remains – A skeleton of one of the victims of the infamous mutiny is exhibited, providing insight into the tragic events that unfolded.

Iron Ships at the Museum

Iron-hulled ships marked a major technological shift in shipbuilding, replacing wooden vessels with stronger, more durable materials. They allowed for larger cargo loads, longer voyages, and greater resistance to harsh ocean conditions.

Some notable iron shipwrecks displayed at the museum include:

• SS Xantho – A 19th-century iron steamship that sank off the coast of Western Australia in 1872. It was one of the earliest steam-powered vessels used in the region.
• SS Georgette – A British iron-hulled steamer that was wrecked in 1876, famous for the heroic rescue of passengers by Grace Bussell.
• Other Iron Shipwrecks – The museum also displays engine components, hull fragments, and maritime relics from various iron ships that sank along the Western Australian (WA) coast.
• Western Australia’s coastline is home to numerous historic shipwrecks, many of which have yielded fascinating household goods, Ceramic and Glassware, Cooking Utensils, Personal Belongings and coins from centuries past.

Coins Found in WA Shipwrecks

• Zuytdorp Shipwreck (1712) – This Dutch East India Company (VOC) ship carried silver coins, many of which were recovered and are now available for collectors.
• Vergulde Draeck (1656) – The wreck contained Spanish silver coins, including pieces of eight, which were highly valuable in global trade.
• Batavia (1629) – The Batavia carried chests of silver coins,

During the visit, these artefacts provided a unique glimpse into history, showcasing the trade, travel, and everyday life of those who sailed the seas centuries ago.

Arlene Quinn