HMS Roebuck (1690)

The Roebuck was a ship of the British navy, which was sent in 1699 under the command of William Dampier on a discovery trip with destination Australia / New Guinea.

Originally built as fireship ( Brander ) at a shipyard in Wapping (London), the Roebuck was launched on April 17, 1690 from the stack. 1699 for " 5th rate warship " rebuilt with 26 guns, she was transferred to the command of William Dampier. Dampier appeared qualified to organize the first English, scientifically guided expedition to the South Seas with Target Australia and New Guinea by his maritime experience.

The ship sailed for the Cape of Good Hope. It must have been in bad shape, because his condition made ​​an extensive repair in Batavia ( now Jakarta, Indonesia ) is necessary. On the return trip the ship leaked so much that it drew Dampier in a bay Ascension Island (South Atlantic). Despite tireless pumping and attempts to seal the leak, the Roebuck sank on 21 February 1701., The team was able to escape to the island, but a large part of the collected samples and records were lost. The collection of plants could be saved and still exists in the herbarium of the University of Oxford.

Remains of Roebuck, including the ship's bell, were found in 2001. They are kept in the museum of the island.