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MaSS

stepping stones of maritime history

History

Eight other vessels wrecked that day, which resulted in a total of 208 lives and £160 000 of cargo being lost. At the time of the gale, the commanders of the ships were onshore to get the documentation for the fleet to leave for the Netherlands.

Description

The Westerwijk was driven ashore in a north-westerly gale at 14h30 on 21st of May. Luckily, she landed high on the beach without breaking up, and most of the crew was saved.

Of the vessels that ran aground on that day, the Westerwijk was the only ship not completely torn apart by the waves and wind after it parted from its anchors because the crew had managed to cut down two of its masts when it beached. This allowed the Westerwijk to stay relatively intact.

The only ship that remained unscathed and ready to sail was the Papenberg.

MasterBos, Wouter
People on board120
Length145 feet (44.2 m)
Tonnage850 ton (425 last)

References

Down on 4 December

New in MaSS

Wrecks of Flevoland

Burgzand Noord

13 Provinces