Heritage Minister Simone McGurk has approved a Consent Order under the Heritage Act 2018 to safeguard what is believed to be the Vergulde Draeck (Gilt Dragon) Survivors’ Camp.
“In WA’s maritime history, the discovery of this survivor camp is extremely significant. Sites of this nature tell us so much about the fate of the people aboard these early shipwrecks,” WA Museum CEO, Alec Coles said.
The Dutch East India Company ship Vergulde Draeck struck a reef near present-day Ledge Point in 1656. Of the 193 crew, 75 men made it to shore, but details of their survival remained unknown, until recent discoveries shed light on their story.
The breakthrough came when, in 2024, a member of the public handed over artefacts to the Western Australian Museum, including stoneware fragments, navigational dividers, a brass clasp, and a lead fishing sinker. These items matched those from the original wreck site.
By early 2025, WA Museum maritime archaeologists uncovered compelling evidence of a 17th-century survivor camp, providing a rare and tangible link to WA’s maritime history.
“The Consent Order will provide protection for the site whilst enabling archaeologists to continue the important work of obtaining as much information as possible," Alec said.
“I would particularly like to commend the finder of the original objects for depositing them with the WA Museum in accordance with the relevant legislation. This has been instrumental in enabling this site to be confirmed and protected."
The site is now protected under the Heritage Act, with strict penalties for interference.
Discover more at the WA Shipwrecks Museum in Fremantle, where artefacts from the excavation are now on display. Dive deeper into the story of the Vergulde Draeck , 1656, and learn about the remarkable work of the Maritime Heritage Team by visiting: https://visit.museum.wa.gov.au/vergulde-draeck-gilt-dragon-1656.
