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New insights into Australia's migration history: “Koning Willem de Tweede” shipwreck discovered

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Almost 170 years after its sinking, researchers have discovered the wreck of the Dutch bark “Koning Willem de Tweede” off the coast of South Australia. The ship was on its way to Melbourne in 1857 with migrants on board when it crashed. The discovery sheds new light on a chapter in Australia's migration and shipping history that has so far received little attention — marked by hope, risk and a tragic outcome.


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By Barbara Barkhausen

Presented by Barbara Barkhausen

Source: SBS



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Almost 170 years after its sinking, researchers have discovered the wreck of the Dutch bark “Koning Willem de Tweede” off the coast of South Australia. The ship was on its way to Melbourne in 1857 with migrants on board when it crashed. The discovery sheds new light on a chapter in Australia's migration and shipping history that has so far received little attention — marked by hope, risk and a tragic outcome.


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