Vergulde Draeck

The Vergulde Draeck (pronounced [vɛrˈɣɵldə ˈdraːk]) or Gilt Dragon was a 42-metre, 260-tonne 'Jacht' constructed in 1653 by the Amsterdam Chamber of the Dutch East India Company or Vereenigde Oost-Indische Compagnie (VOC).

In 1656, the Vergulde Draeck set sail from the Cape of Good Hope, South Africa, for the VOC's trading headquarters at Batavia (Jakarta), Indonesia.

On the night of the 28th of April 1656, the Vergulde Draeck struck a submerged coral reef midway between what are now the coastal towns of Seabird and Ledge Point, Western Australia. On board were 193 crew, eight boxes of silver coins worth 78,600 guilders and trade goods to the value of 106,400 guilders.

Of the 193 crew, 118 are believed to have perished. The initial 75 survivors, including the ship's captain, Capt. Pieter Albertszoon, and the under steersman, made it to shore. They had with them the ship's boat, a schuyt, along with a small amount of provisions and stores washed on shore.

On 7 May 1656, approximately nine days after the loss of the Vergulde Draeck, the Under Steersman and six crew members were dispatched to Batavia to summon help. They carried with them letters written by the crew which described the loss of the schuyt, the crew's decision to await rescue from Batavia, and their steadfast faith in the Lord God.

After a journey of some 1400 nautical miles, lasting 41 days, with little water, little food and suffering from exposure, the Under Steersman arrived at Batavia, the alarm was raised and the search for the survivors of the Vergulde Draeck and cargo began.

A number of rescue attempts was conducted by the Dutch East India Company or Vereenigde Oost-Indische Compagnie(VOC) once the loss was reported.

The Goede Hope & the Witte Valck (1656)

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