In 1629, the Dutch East India merchantman, the 'Batavia' was recked on reef islands off the West Australian coast while on a routine trip to Indonesia. What followed this disaster is a harrowing tale of desertion, betrayal and murder. Over 125 men, women and children were murdered by mutineers caught in a frenzy of bloodlust and greed. By the time the rescue ship finally arrived, months later, the marooned were caught in a desperate battle between soldiers trying to defend the survivors and the mutineers who were desperate ...
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In 1629, the Dutch East India merchantman, the 'Batavia' was recked on reef islands off the West Australian coast while on a routine trip to Indonesia. What followed this disaster is a harrowing tale of desertion, betrayal and murder. Over 125 men, women and children were murdered by mutineers caught in a frenzy of bloodlust and greed. By the time the rescue ship finally arrived, months later, the marooned were caught in a desperate battle between soldiers trying to defend the survivors and the mutineers who were desperate to leave no witnesses...Over three hundred years later, Hugh Edwards, a West Australian reporter and diving enthusiast, started to search for the lost ship. When they finally found it, they discovered the final piece of a story that has gripped Australians for over a century, and a vital link in our history. Island of Angry Ghosts is a story in two parts. The first half traces the final months of the 'Batavia' and her crew, pieced together through journals, letters and trial records. And the second half follows Hugh Edwards and the crew of divers that found, and salvaged, the treasure of the Batavia.
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