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 divided into 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'.
This fascinating story has been in print since 1966, and this new edition contains etchings from the time of the 'Batavia', and photographs of the salvage. 'Islands of Angry Ghosts' is a unique and compelling look at a horrific piece of Australian history.
Contents:
Publisher's Note: The Batavia Comes to Sydney
Map
Part 1
1. Yellow Bones of Murder
2. Ship on the Brink of Mutiny
3. Prelude to Disaster
4. Shipwreck
5. Desolation and Desertion
6. Death Makes a Plan
7. Blood on Coral Sand
8. Desperate Defenders
9. Miracle Against the Mutineer Muskets
10. The Terrible Return
11. The Gallows Tree
12. Mortal Men
Picture Section
Part 2
13. Ships and Centuries
14. Beginnings Are Strange Things
15. Whales and Wrecks
16. The Expedition
17. Reefs Like a Savage's Necklace
18. Don't Expect to see a Galleon in Full Sail
19. The Coins Glinted with Old World Silver
20. Henrietta and Other Discoveries
21. Islands of Angry Ghosts
22. Great Finds and Great Danger
23. A Shark Attempts for Finish and Unfinished Story
Bibliography
Author's Note
About the Author
