History
De Blauwe Leeuw was the rear admiral ship of the WIC fleet commanded by general Boudewijn Hendriksz mayor of Edam.
The fleet was instructed to reinforce the newly conquered stronghold Bahia de Todos os Sanctos in Brazil (1624). The fleet arrived too late (24 May 1625). Bahia was retaken and heavily fortified by the Spanish and Portuguese.
The fleet remained indecisive in Brazil for a while. To make matters worse, an epidemic broke out and 700 men died.
General Boudewijn decided to leave Brazil. He split the fleet. Twelve ships under Admiral Veron set course to Africa, their goal was to conquer Al Mina. Boudewijn set course for the Caribbean with 18 ships. His objective was San Juan on the island Puerto Rico. Four ships stayed to try and capture Portuguese or Spanish ships.
Storm
The fleet was near St. Vincent on the 30th of August to take provisions. Refitted they sailed on 10 September for Puerto Rico. The same night the fleet got into a violent storm. Most ships were badly damaged. Three ships, The Geel Sonne, the Goude Sonne and the Vlissingen were lost in the tempest. The Blauwe Leeuw lost its main mast in the storm.
Description
Type: frigate
Yard: Amsterdam
Chamber: WIC Amsterdam
Status
De laet II, 34
References
- De laet II, 34.