Islands of Angry Ghosts: Murder, Mayhem and Mutiny: The Story of the Batavia

In 1629, the Dutch East India merchantman, the Batavia, was wrecked on reef islands off the West Australian coast while on her maiden voyage. For the survivors, this disaster was the beginning of a harrowing ordeal of desertion betrayal and murder.

As their captain, Pelsaert, sailed for help, over 125 men, women and children were murdered by mutineers in a frenzy of bloodlust and greed.

When Pelsaert returned, months later, with a rescue ship, the marooned were caught in a desperate battle between soldiers trying to defend them and the mutineers who were determined to leave no witnesses.

In two parts, the book tells the story of the wreck and the subsequent mutiny and survival of the crew and later the efforts to find and salvage the treasure from the ship.