The Western Australian Museum has received the return of several artifacts, believed to be from the Vergulde Draeck (Gilt Dragon) vessel wrecked off the WA coast near Ledge Point in 1656.
The artifacts are significant because they may confirm the existence of another shore-based site related to the possible fate of the Vergulde Draeck survivors.
The Museum’s maritime archaeologists is to further investigate the artifacts, which are believed to be musket balls and spring shot.
Visiting Metals Conservator, Tamar Davidowitz from the Rijksmuseum in the Netherlands, will examine the artifacts on behalf of the Western Australian Museum to provide assistance in confirming their origins.
The Vergulde Draeck sailed from Texel, bound for Batavia (Jakarta) carrying trade goods and eight chests of silver.
On 28 April 1656 it struck a reef south of Ledge Point with 75 of the 193 crew and passengers making it to shore.
A small boat was dispatched to Batavia (now Jakarta) seeking help.
However, while several attempts were made at the time to search for the wreckage and survivors, none were successful.
In April 1963 the wreck was discovered by five spear-fishermen and was heavily looted before protective legislation was enacted after which the Museum took over excavation of the site with artifacts exhibited at the WA Shipwrecks Museum.
Minister for Culture and the Arts, David Templeman thanked the finders of the latest artifacts, Leon Pule and Hanneley Tredoux, for doing the right thing and presenting them to the Western Australian Museum.
