Model of the Batavia, wrecked in 1629 off the WA coast. It has a gruesome history; just before it was wrecked the crew planned to mutiny so they could steal the ship & become pirates. Before they could carry out their plans the ship hit the reef. The survivors had little food or water, so the captain & crew set sail in a rowboat to find help. The would-be mutineers then slaughtered the passengers including women & children. The vicar had his wife & 6 of his children killed, only 1 daughter survived because she was forced into being a concubine for 1 of the mutineers. Eventually the captain arrived back & defeated them, they had their hands cut off & were then hanged.
Timbers of the Batavia.
Unidentified skeleton from the Batavia- broken shoulder & 1 foot cut off.
Hard to see in these photos but the timbers are massive
First steam engine used in WA- after a century under water when recovered, it still worked.
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