Meet the site
The Zeewijk was a VOC ship that struck Half Moon Reef in the Pelsaert Group on 9 June 1727 with 208 people aboard. The ship stayed wedged on the reef and did not break up immediately, allowing the crew to transfer goods, including treasure chests, to nearby Gun Island. Eleven men sailed for Batavia in a longboat on 10 July and were never seen again. The remaining survivors built a vessel from the wreckage – the Sloepie, the first European boat built in Australia – and 82 reached Batavia on 30 April 1728. During the ordeal two crew members were convicted of sodomy and marooned on separate islands.
Relics were found by HMS Beagle's crew in 1840, guano miners recovered material in the 1880s-90s, and Hugh Edwards led the rediscovery of the main wreck site in March 1968, followed by WA Museum surveys. Marine Life Network lists the site in 5-8 m with VOC cannon and coins, an interesting historical dive.
The outer reef location makes it one of the more difficult Abrolhos sites to reach, but it pairs with Half Moon Reef's seaward fish life and the Pelsaert walls for a southern-group itinerary. Everything is protected under historic shipwreck legislation. Material from the Zeewijk, including cannon and coins, is displayed at the WA Museum in Geraldton and Fremantle, which is worth visiting before the trip for context. Liveaboard itineraries typically reserve the southern group for the calmest day of the trip, and the Zeewijk visit depends entirely on the swell forecast.
Research this site before booking Stored site notes may be historical. These questions highlight gaps without turning old instructions into a current dive plan.
Zeewijk Wreck (Half Moon Reef) is recorded as Wreck in Geraldton & Abrolhos Islands. The listed access is boat (multi-day/liveaboard). Confirm the actual meeting point, route and permission to visit; a map pin does not establish any of these.
Topics flagged by the stored research
These are questions prompted by the existing notes, not a verified or complete hazard assessment.
- Water movement
- Ask how swell and local exposure affect the proposed entry, exit and route.
Historical access notes exist for this record, but have not been independently verified for current use. Request current directions from the operator or site manager rather than following an old entry description.
Questions, answered
Is Zeewijk Wreck (Half Moon Reef) suitable for my certification?
The record lists Open Water. That does not establish suitability for every route or day. Share your training, recent experience and equipment needs with the operator and ask about the specific proposed dive.
Can I book Zeewijk Wreck (Half Moon Reef) through YouDive?
YouDive is an independent research directory. Contact an operator directly to confirm whether it currently runs the trip, the inclusions and the booking terms.
What you might see
Coral, morwong, WA dhufish, coral trout, groper, kingfish, reef sharks
Location
Site of the VOC ship Zeewijk, wrecked on Half Moon Reef on 9 June 1727; VOC cannon and scattered remains in 5-8 m on the outer reef of the Pelsaert Group.
Before you make plans
Conditions, access and operator schedules can change. This is a location guide, not a dive plan. Ask a local operator about current conditions and suitability for your training and experience.
Sources & further reading
museum.wa.gov.aumarinelife.org.auRecord updated 26 Sept 2026. Source claims are being reviewed.