Wreckage of 800-ton ship found after its deadly sinking well over a century ago: ‘Significant discovery’

Wreckage of 800-ton ship found after its deadly sinking well over a century ago: ‘Significant discovery’

16 men were killed in the 1857 sinking of the Dutch merchant ship Koning Willem de Tweede

A painting of the Koning Willem de Tweede, an 800-ton Dutch merchant ship that sunk off the coast of Australia 168 years ago. (Australian National Maritime Museum)

A component of the ship was found on the sea floor. (Australian National Maritime Museum)

A diver exploring the wreck of the Koning Willem de Tweede. (Australian National Maritime Museum)