The Vergulde Draeck (Gilt Dragon) a Dutch VOC ship was wrecked on the WA coast in 1656 and discovered in 1963 by a small group of divers, among them Alan Robinson. During the recovery an argument ensued and the underwater wrecksite was dynamited, causing extensive damage. Subsequent involvement of the museum ‘established’ that the wrecks was that of the Gilt Dragon as a result of coins dated 1655. No other evidence as to identity of the ship was found.Recent research revealed that in the original report stated that the ship had wrecked at 30 deg. 40 mins South )Hill River). This did not correspond with where the ship was allegedly found at 31 deg. 16 mins South (Ledge Point)I approached the WA Maritime Museum with the query and received a brusque reply that the navigation of that time was sloppy, the astrolabe not reliable and that weather conditions and an overcast sky would have prevented an accurate reading in any case. After that the call was terminated by the receiver.Over the years, others have cast doubt about the location of the ship at Ledge Point such as Norm Fuller, now deceased, who spent many years researching the wrecksite. He claimed this in his book “The Gilt Dragon at Greenhead”.The captain Pieter Albertsz. who survived the ordeal with 74 others sent the Understeersman and six crew in an open boat to get help. It was therefore imperative that he had an accurate reading of their position and therefore the museum version of weather, cloudy skies are poorly chosen reasons.Where is the real evidence that the Gilt Dragon went down near Ledge Point?
Filed under: Vergulde Draeck, WA Wreck Sites | Tagged: 1656, Alan Robinson, astrolabe, book, bullion, conspiracy, deception, Fremantle, Gilt Dragon, Hill River, History, intrigue, Ledge Point, lost, Maritime Museum, Norm Fuller, Pieter Albertsz, recent history, shipwreck, silver coins, treasure, VOC, Western Australia
Recently the Fremantle Maritime Museum was contacted in the hope that there was some explanation for the difference in location of the Gilt Dragon site.
The attitude of the maritime archeologist was brusque at best and progressively deteriorating during the conversation.
He said that the navigation was not exact and a difference of Latitude one degree meant very little. In fact, he stated, that the site at Ledge Point was Lat 31deg.16mins South, compared to the official location of Lat.30deg.40mins South which was about 65km.
When asked about the book “The Gilt Dragon at Greenhead” by Norm Fuller there followed an impatient brush-off.
When asked how the wreck had been identified he stated that it was by date on the coins – 1655. Asked what other supporting evidence there was proved to be a ‘door-closer’.
It was pointless to pursue the matter further. The staff of the museum belong to the Public Service and his attitude was most surprising.
The story of the discovery of the Gilt Dragon site has always been under a cloud with the involvement of Alan Robinson.
It would be worthwhile knowing what really happened – particularly since, after the ship had been wrecked in 1656, some six boxes with silver coins were removed from the ship and buried in an unknown location,
The value of this treasure could amount to a current value from 50 to a 100 million dollars.
One cannot help but wonder.
Having read quite a few books regarding this subject, I have come to the conclusion that the WA government and the Maritime Museum appear to have gone through a lot of trouble to cover up and steer potential treasure hunters away from the known wreck sites. The book written by Alan Robinson, “In Australia, Treasure is not for the Finder”, is an interesting book looking closely at those involved during the discoveries and the trouble they went through to hide the truth. Three years after Robinson self published his book in 1980, he was arrested for an unrelated offence and incarcerated. It is said that Alan Robinson died in jail after being persecuted for many years by the WA Police over his stubbornness to find justice. It was always made out that he committed suicide but many believe that he was murdered in order to silence him. Many more people that had knowledge of the wrecks had their houses broken into with specific interest shown towards the removal of books, documents, research papers and objects collected from wreck sites. I believe a Royal Commision is warranted into the dealings of the Museum and the Government in regard to the ancient VOC wreck sites from the time of discovery to today. I hope this forum will open up new leads to direct those that have an interest in setting history straight and maybe bring the cover up culprits to justice. Only then will the mysteries surrounding the Gilt Dragon be revealed.
For all that may be Interested, here is an invitation put together by the VOC Historical Society Inc.
Try this link as well !!!
http://www.youtube.com/user/VOCHistory
An interesting aspect of the shipwrecks, and in particular the Dutch ships, is that they carried vast quantities of silver. In today’s terms this could amount to $100,000, 000 each.
At the time of finding a little less but a very strong motivating factor in the endeavour to find it.
Greed can be all-consuming and there is no doubt that efforts have been made to locate the six or eight boxes of silver that were burried on the mainland near the wrecksite. That part of the coastline is littered with limestone caves.
The survivors of the Vergulde Draeck had no immediate need for cash but Master Pieter Albertsz. was conscious of the fact that his master would be most displeased with the loss of their ship – and the loot. Securing it was therefore paramount.
The finders were known to have found coins that ‘identified’ the ship by the date stamped on the, 1655 ( ship went down in 1656), but the quantities were relatively small and probably from a box that broke open during impact.
The evidence is rather circumstantial that it indeed was the Vergulde Draeck. There doesn’t appear to any direct evidence, which opens up a number of possibilities.
Was the shipwreck site the actual site? Would anyone finding a shipwreck tell the world about its location. Not bloody likely.
So there is room for some deception and possible larceny. There were accusation aplenty at the time of the discovery and one of the participants and finder of the wrecksite, Alan Robinson, was ostrasised. This is a story by itself in his book,
“In Australia, treasure is not for the finder”
However, that is only one ship. There are another three ships that went missing after departing Cape of Good Hope. In 1694 – Ridderschap van Holland, 1724 Fortuyn and 1726 – Aagtekerk.
All of these ships belonged to the VOC and carried bullion that was used for spices and other goodies that were in high demand in Europe.
There a variety of stories as to the sites where these unfortunate ships may have landed. Esperance, Albany, Walpole and Wonnerup are some. Wonnerup is still a strong possibility but under a shroud of mystery and secrecy.
Museum reports about that site are ambigious and some misinformation from a senior member of staff has aroused suspicion in the minds of many.
When it involves millions of dollars, those who know something would be evasive.
Apart from the money, the find in itself would be of great historic significance.
When I started doing research into Dutch shipwrecks along the coast I became particularly interested in what happened to the survivors of which there were many over a hundred year period.
All this was prompted by the story of a White Tribe in Central Australia that resulted in a programme on ABC TV by Les Hiddens.. Ultimately it was found that the story was a hoax and put together by Thomas Maslen from Halifax who wrote a letter to the Leeds Mercury in 1834. Maslen believed that there was an inland sea in the centre, al though he had never been here. The White Tribe was an adornment based on information of survivor communities in the new Swan River Colony. It was most likely a blinder to cover up ultimate atrocities involving descendants of Aboriginal/Dutch liaisons.
It was thought that by sweeping that period under the carpet would make it go away for it was of no value to the new settlers – and possibly an embarrassment.
On pursuing the shipwrecks further it became apparent that deceptive practices were not confined to the early days of the Colony.
It became apparent and a recorded fact that all kind of wheeling and dealing took place from the early 1960’s onwards, implicating people who held positions in government departments.
On Monday 19 November I received a phone call from an acquaintance that it would be wise for me to tread carefully with my research for in there had been injury and deaths of some people closely involved. The reason for this was the bullion that was that was carried on Dutch ships. These vast amounts of silver and gold were still hidden somewhere along the coast, the most obvious one being the Gilt Dragon.
I needed no convincing that some people will sell their soul to get their hand on riches.
The following information that I received explained it a bit further:
“….so far there have been three murders, three suicides, three fatal accidents, enforced natural deaths from harassment of very sick people, incarceration into institutions for another – and all his decades’ of research taken into Government files ‘for protection’”.
I did not receive any threats but advice from people concerned about my welfare telling me about other who might consider my welfare could become an embarrassment.
I set out to find the truth about the survivors and other things relating to the Dutch ships both in the 17 and 18 hundreds and the subsequent discovery of the wrecks.
Could it really be true that there are people in this relatively small population who would resort to the deeds as described above?
I sincerely hope not.
There are people amongst us who have much knowledge on the wreck locations and their valuable loot. Evidence points to many of the treasures carried on these wrecks have already been looted by those that where meant to protect them. Today we live in an electronic age with easy access to information. In the sixties information was able to remain hidden as deals where done with handshakes. In some instances, in exchange of bullion from the wrecks. Anything put out to the press was very much controlled. Call it propoganda if you will. Whats more was that people believed what the media reported. This is a recipe for cover up and conspiracy amongst those that we trusted as respected professionals. These people used the media for their own political advantages. This, no doubt, is still the case for many polititians today. They also had the power to make people dissapear and silence them if need be. Well times have changed, or have they? I do hope that those who where involved will either come clean or be eventually exposed as the criminals they still are.. To answer your last question Tom, yes, sadly there are people amongst us that resort to such deeds as described in your blogg comment. I have personally experienced some of the close shaves myself. I also know of people still living in fear of potential reprisal for exposing the truth. Knowing what I know, I don’t blame them for it.
i have been interested in marinehistory since i was 6 ior the gold am 49 now i dont care what happned 2 the silveror gold just the historyand what happned 2 all the souls thatwere marooned in this country andlearn from the artifacts on how they lived and who they were than have silver or gold
The Batavia mutiny in 1629 took place 200 years before Captain James Stirling annexed New Holland for the British and established the Swan River Colony. This act on the part of the British was questionable.
The Dutch were very much preoccupied with trying to hold onto Belgium. They could ill afford to send ships to defend New Holland or establish a settlement. In 1830, when the Belgium question was solved, the English had placed an embargo on all Dutch shipping into Australia.
Why did they choose 1830? Was it a mere coincidence that the English had just taken New Holland from a close European ally?
One could be forgiven for thinking that the English wished to keep the Dutch away from what was once a Dutch possession. An embargo is a very hostile act certainly not used against allies. It is little wonder that historians have not shouted and celebrated from the rooftops the final annexation of New Holland. It was not a proud moment in our history to steal half a continent from your close friends. There was no discussion, no agreement signed, no grand announcement – nothing except an embargo on Dutch shipping. Instead a new myth had to be created: the
Dutch were not interested in Australia after the discoveries made by Tasman in 1642. The English were forced to annex New Holland to stop it falling into the hands of the French. The end result is firmly established now. Australia became part of the English Empire, by fair means or foul?
It explains the reason for some of the events that would take place in the years to come.
In C17th the west coast became the theatre of human drama as some ships wrecked on its shores.
With one exception, the survivors became marooned and had to make the best of what was on offer. In each case the season was autumn/winter which enhanced their chances of survival. Water and game were plentiful and in the case of the Vergulde Draeck (Gilt Dragon) the coast had many caves that offered shelter.
According to a variety of sources many survivors integrated with the Aboriginals so that by 1829 there were family groups of mixed blood.
James Stirling was told that there were natives with European ancestry but apparently this was ignored – or was it? It was soon clear that these descendents were from the Dutch which was embarrassing and could be a threat.
When in 1832 Sir Robert Peel, the then Under Secretary for the Colonies in London issued an edict that all Dutch names and other items relating to the Dutch had to be removed. It did not advocate genocide but what followed under Stirling’s administration were massacres of native tribes. The Battle of Pinjarra was nothing less than that but it was made out to be a singular incidents in contrast with the truth.
A settler, James Drummond’s sister wrote to her friend in England praising Stirling for his way of dealing with the natives with massacres.
It is not strange therefore that official journals make no mention of these massacres but that they cane be sourced from private correspondence.
A case in point is the wreck at Wonnerup – near Busselton
“In 1845, Mr. Clifton the Official Receiver of Wrecks for the Colony said that it was evidently an ancient wreck and judging from mast rings and a grappling iron found nearby must have been a ship of some considerable size. Some years later the e>rplorer F. T. Gregory came across the ship and judged it to have been wrecked for more than 200.years.
As the years went by the wreck sank deeper and deeper into the mud until only two or three feet were left visible.
In 1876 Mr. J. G. Bussell found two old coins near the wreck which might have given a clue as to the country of the ship’s origin, but he refused to show them to anyone. Shortly afterwards about 70 lbs of quicksilver or mercury was found nearby which suggests that whatever her nationality she must have been engaged in Eastern trade. Large quantities of mercury were used in the East and it was a commodity much sought after.
By 1914 the wreck had disappeared completely swallowed up by the Deadwater mud. Many stories of dark deeds, murder and piracy surround the wreck which make it a fascinating mystery.
One .such story dates back to the 1830’s and concerns the massacre of the local Aborigines. They were wiped out by the early settlers who found the wreck. No record of this has been found and there seems to be no reason for it as the Aborigines were not a warlike people. The story was told that they had many golden ornaments which they must have collected from the wreck and it was for these that they were killed. Others said it was because they knew too much about the wreck that they were killed. Neither story can now be proved. ( Busselton Historical Society – December 1979)
Aboriginals had no use for golden ornaments, unless they held sentimental value because they were the descendants of the ship’s survivors. Mere speculation?
Another reason why the authorities are not very forthcoming on information could be due to these ships carrying large amounts of coins to an equivalent value of approx. $100 million each.
In the case of the Zuytdorp a lot of coins were retrieved although their destination is somewhat vague. According to what is known of the Vergulde Draeck six boxes (barrels?) were buried containing some 50,000 guilders in silver coins. Today each coin would fetch about $1,000.
The Wonnerup wreck may still a treasure hidden in its innards. That leaves two other ships, Fortuyn and Aagtekerk to be found, if Ridderschap van Holland lies at Wonnerup.
We feel that it is important that the truth becomes known and that the ‘gilding of the lily’ should be left behind for these people who never got home deserve it that the story be told, Imagine yourself in a similar situation, being stranded without a hope of ever seeing your friends and loved ones again.
This Blog makes an appeal to anyone who has information about places along the WA coast that would provide a link, no matter how small, to where these survivors camped, lived or co-habited with Indigenous folk.
In theory, the many caves along the coast may well have served as desirable shelter for them.
Is there anyone out there who can help?
2 the next people whom ever they be if u find a ship wreck could u please take the gold and silver but leave the artifacts as they were example zuytdorp so much could have been learnt from the find if it was left as it was but people are like seagulls they take what the want and scavenge and destroy so much information but we are human i guess id of loved 2 have seen it as it was left before the vandals and treasure seekers destroyed the site as it was left by the survivors iam sure the answers to what happend 2 them was there to be found shame on u all but with some luck there are people that do care about our history and would share it with us all please if u have some of the artifacts give them 2 the museum so we all can see them and share there history. lol
not a day goes by with out me thinking what happened 2 the zuytdorp survivers u are shipwrecked your world as u new it doesnt exist any more u are cold scared maybe hurt the day dawns u take stock that u are alive uyou find others that share your fate u grab what u can from the wreck some drown there sorrows with drink it numbs u for a while is there disipline or chaos /days go by u have water food for timebeing u no there are natives are they freindly u dont nomore anxiety / no ship comes after weeks some want to go look 4 water etc some cling 2 place were they are that conection 2the sea a passing ship they dont want to leave that slim chance of a ship passing its geting hot your skin not used 2 the heat u burn sun stroke maybe caves are cool do they seek shelter in caves
would that not be a refuge from the natives / some of u die some were burnt earlyer but can u stand the smell or do u bury them that is were i think we will find the answer some iam shore were taken in by the aboriganal people but think some went there own way to fade in to this land 4 ever we 1day will find out the truth is out there to be found the gov can spent dollars on all sorts of rubbish how about funding to the museum so a proper search can be done just like they spend looking 4 the sydney lol
Interesting reading from you all.
I’m interested on hearing your thoughts on Alan Robinson. I’ve heard comments on him being everything from a dangerous rogue to the last of the true blue adventurers. I did once read his book, and he didn’t sound like a man that would take his own life. Can someone comment on how much of the book is true fact. I did ask the front desk at Freo Maritime Museum in the 1990’s why A.Robinson was not mentioned anywhere within the museum, while other names where. The answer was they refuse to recognise him.
Did he upset the authorites that much?
look foward to hearing your comments…Stu
I am pleased that you asked the question about Alan Robinson. My information comes from his book and many people I have spoken with along the coast.
The “tall poppy syndrome” plays a part although he was a bit of a loose cannon.
Many of the people in the WA Maritime Museum were involved with him, either directly or indirectly but a substantial part revolved around the coins, and the value of these. Greed, jealousy and sheer vindictiveness all came into play to the detriment of Alan.
At the time, there was no legislation in place and thus no guidelines about the ownership of treasure. It was a free for all where those in authority made up rules as they went along, often to their own advantage.
Many people alive today would shake in their boots if there was a prospect of an official enquiry – even this late in the day. However, I am confident that the truth will one day catch up with them.
There is no doubt that Alan made some enemies but he was also shafted.
By keeping Alan Robinson currently on the ‘unwanted list’ may well be the trigger that will cause the issue to blow up.
The WA Maritime Museum should be objective in its assessments, howeer, this is not the case.
People like yourself can keep on asking the question – through this blog.
U dont have to be a einstein to figure out that Dutch and the mixed crew of the VOC ships that were wrecked on this coast did mix with the aboriginals of Western Australia and that their gene pool is itermingled with the natives, but if there was a number of crew say 20 example and the aboriginals are australoids were they dont throw back but get lighter and lighter as u get Dutch and native equals half cast then quarter …say the father speaks Dutch mother Native now u would think that offspring would say few words of the fathers tongue and that would pass on down ….the line. I am no expert but i think wa marinemyths has a valid piont what happend to them.
Isn’t it strange how the whalemen in the area of the Zuytdorp just disapeared. I am not one for conspirisy theories but wow the more I dig the more it’s strange when I first read these blogs I thought what a lot of crap theories but u have won me over. I take my hat off to you, millions of dollars worth of silver just doesnt disapear well some one must have a fat account but to sell such a quantity of silver cant be done alone – or can it – dont think so.
Want to hear a funny joke folks …. Captain Cook discoved Australia so they teach the kids. Every time I hear that if feel like belting my head with a peice of 4×2 and throttling a education minister the Dutch were here – yes folks Dutch Hartog Vlaming u name it they were here long before the English Cook. Did Harthog’s pewter plate just appear from thin air and nail its self to a post for example woops i forgot they werent english. How can a country like this turn their backs on those great men that came here to this great land and are a very important part of australian history. Shame on you, get it right and teach it as it realy happend.
As a diver and someone who cares about the maritime history of this state, i am shocked to find that people can justify Alan Robinson actions. The man was a vandal who cared not for the sites that he distroyed. He looted our history for his own personal gain. Phillip Playford has writen an excellent book “Carpet of Silver” that in part outlines the crimes against wrecks that Robinson comitted. Remember just because it is not illegal does not mean that it is not immoral. Playford also seems to point to the Mickelburgs for the loss of the silver.
ive never red so much bullshit in my life