A Flemish captain and explorer who led an expedition to Western Australia in 1696, charting the coast and discovering the Swan River, and is credited with being the first European to explore the region.
Willem de Vlamingh, a Dutch sea captain, is renowned for exploring the central west coast of New Holland, now known as Australia, in the late 17th century. His expedition led to the discovery of the Swan River and the charting of parts of the continent's western coast, leaving an indelible mark on the history of exploration.
Born in Oost-Vlieland, Dutch Republic, on November 28, 1640, Willem de Vlamingh was baptized just a few days later. He began his maritime career in 1664, sailing to Novaya Zemlya, where he discovered Jelmerland. By 1668, he had married and was working as a skipper in whaling, still residing on the island of Vlieland.
In 1688, de Vlamingh joined the Dutch East India Company (VOC) and made his first voyage to Batavia in the same year. Following a second voyage in 1694, he was tasked with leading an expedition to search for the Ridderschap van Holland, a VOC capital ship that had gone missing with 325 passengers and crew on its way to Batavia.
In 1696, de Vlamingh commanded the rescue mission to Australia's west coast, aiming to find survivors of the Ridderschap van Holland. His fleet consisted of three ships: the frigate Geelvink, captained by de Vlamingh himself; the Nijptang, under Captain Gerrit Collaert; and the galiot Weseltje, under Captain Cornelis de Vlamingh, Willem's son. The expedition departed Texel on May 3, 1696, and, due to the Nine Years War with France, sailed around the coast of Scotland to Tristan da Cunha.
After arriving at the Cape of Good Hope, the expedition stayed for seven weeks due to scurvy among the crew. It was during this time that Cornelis de Vlamingh took command after Laurens T. Zeeman's death. On October 27, the fleet set sail once more, eventually reaching the western coast of Australia.
De Vlamingh and his crew landed on the Swan River, now known as Perth, and explored the surrounding area. Although the mission proved fruitless in finding survivors of the Ridderschap van Holland, it marked a significant milestone in the exploration of Australia.
Willem de Vlamingh's expedition paved the way for future Dutch explorations in Australia, and his discoveries played a crucial role in the mapping of the continent's western coast. His bravery, determination, and navigational skills have cemented his place in the annals of maritime history.
De Vlamingh's contributions to the field of exploration have inspired generations of sailors, navigators, and adventurers. His discoveries have shaped our understanding of the Australian continent and its coastline, leaving an enduring legacy in the world of maritime exploration.
Willem de Vlamingh's remarkable achievements have forever changed the course of maritime history, earning him a place among the greatest explorers of all time.
Born in 1565
Led the first Dutch expedition to Indonesia, establishing a trade route that brought wealth and power to the Netherlands. He is credited with opening up the Spice Islands to European trade.
Born in 1728
Led expeditions to explore and map previously unknown regions, including the discovery of Hawaii and the charting of Australia's eastern coast.
Born in 1757
Led a British expedition to chart the Pacific Northwest coast of North America, discovering and naming many geographic features, including Vancouver Island. He's also known for his interactions with indigenous peoples and his role in British colonialism.
Born in 1774
Mapped the coastline of Australia, creating the first complete chart of the continent, and is credited with giving Australia its name.
