The loss of this Dutch ship is of course described in Dutch sources, but apparently also in foreign newspapers and literature as the The Asiatic Journal shows.
P. 164: From a Batavia corresponden, dated the 13th inst. we obtain the following information: The Dutch steamer Willem de Eerst[e], which left Sourabaya on the 26th April last for Amboyna, had struck on the Lucepara Shola, close to the Turtle Island, and about 120 miles distant from her port of destination. She had on board the governor of the Moluccas and his family, with 150 troops for these islands. Being an old vessel, she soon became a wreck, and all on board were compelled to seek safety on the shoal, on which, however, they were up to their knees in water when the tide rose to its highest. There were three boats belonging to the vessel, all of which were sent away by the commander, with as many people on board as they could take, one to go to Amboyna, another to Macassar, and a third is supposed to Bouton. The two former made their
p. 165: voyage in safety, and the colonial ship Eric as also a government schooner, were immediately despatched to bring away those who had been left on the shoal, but no further tidings as to their fate had reached Batavia. When the last of the three boats put away, those who of necessity remained on the shoal were engaged in making a raft, and there appeared cause to apprehend some misfortune having befallen them, as the few materials that had been left could, it is said, scarcely have sufficed for the construction on a raft fit to transport such a number of people, when the distance of the only spot which they could expect to make was considered. The government had on board of the Willem the Eerst[e], specie to amount of 100,000 guilders, no part of which appears to have been saved, and as they had a large quantity of stores, &c. also on board, their total loss, including the vessel, is estimated at about Rs. 5,00,00.- Singapore Free Press. July 27 [1837]”.
Sources
The Asiatic Journal and Monthly Register for British and foreign India, China and Australia. Vol XXV. New Series. January-April 1838. London, 1838. Digitized by Google.
F.C. van Oosten. Schepen onder stoom. Van raderboot tot Oceaanstomer. De Boer, 1972.
G.J.A. Raven. De kroon op het anker, 175 jaar Koninklijke Marine. Amsterdam, 1988.
A.J. Vermeulen. De schepen van de Koninklijke Marine en die der gouvernementsmarine 1813-1964.
Note
1. Paddle steamship. Built at Maudslay, London, England 1826. Measured 595 ton, 120 nominal horse power. Hired in 1832 by the Royal Dutch navy from the Amsterdamsche Stoomboot Maatschappij to serve, after being armed, in the Belgian revolt 1830-1832. In 1835 bought by the Dutch East Indies Government. Rigged as sail ship brought to the Dutch East Indies. On her first trip towards Banda 5 May 1837 wrecked at the Lucipara-cliffs and lost.
