In 1697 William Dampier published his book 'A New Voyage Round The World'.
An account of his extensive travels with privateers and pirates in the period 1679- 1691,
it contained a large amount of information including draughts (maps) of geographical
features, comment on the peoples encountered and the natural history of the places
visited.

His New Voyage was such a literary and maritime sensation, that it was translated into
many languages. Even today it is considered one of the great English classics and
still appears as an astounding and gripping narrative.

Dampier then presented an account of his second voyage including his
return to 'New Holland', where he had intended to survey the east coast decades
before James Cook. His command HM Ship Roebuck, was not suitable, and forced
to turn back, the Roebuck sank at Ascension Island 24th Feb, 1701.
Despite the detailed accounts of its loss, the ship has never been found.

This is the story of the Western Australian Maritime Museum's 2001 expedition to
find Dampier's Roebuck. The text and illustrations shown here are excerpts from
Michael McCarthy and his team's report.