To aid the Dutch who were building influence and colonies
in the Far East, the Witte Leeuw was sent to protect Dutch interests in
the East Indies. Although built as a navy ship she was run by the Dutch
East India Company. The loss of the Witte Leeuw was considered a mighty
blow for the Company when she sunk in James Bay 1613, during a battle with
two Portuguese carracks. Witte Leeuw translates as White Lion.
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