François Thijssen

François Thijssen (also Frans Thijsz ) was a Dutch captain of the 17th century. He was known by the mapping of parts of the southern coast of Australia.

He was captain of the ship Gulden Zeepaerdt (Golden Seahorse ) which stood out from Vlissingen to Batavia to sea on 22 May 1626. Located 220 settlers were on their way to Java on board. One passenger was the senior representatives of the VOC Pieter Nuyts (1598-1655) with his son. After a stop at the Cape of Good Hope wanted to sail across the Indian Ocean to Batavia. Off course strayed, the ship reached on January 26, 1627, the area around Cape Leeuwin in Western Australia.

In honor of his guest the country 't Land van Pieter Nuyts was baptized ( The land of Pieter Nuyts ). Thijssen then mapped approximately 1600 km Australian coast from Albany to Ceduna. This also includes the islands of Sint Sint Pieter and François, which he named after his and Nuyts ' first name. This marine area is, until today Nuyts Archipelago.

It was only on April 10, 1627 reached the Gulden Zeepaerdt Batavia.