Mutiny on the Ethel

Last updated
Ethel
History
Flag of Western Australia (1870-1953).svg Western Australia
NameEthel
OwnerJohn Alfred Reddell
Port of registry Broome
FateScuttled, 1899
General characteristics
Type Brigantine
Complement16 crew

Mutiny on the Ethel was a maritime mutiny that occurred in 1899. The crew of the brigantine Ethel mutinied, killing the captain and several crew members. The mutineers were caught and executed. [1] [2]

Mutiny

The Ethel was used to resupply pearl luggers in Western Australia. The ship left Broome on 19 October 1899 under Captain John Redell. [3] The crew mutinied, killing the captain and several other crew members, including the captain's son. [4] The mutineers sailed the ship to the island of Selaru, where it was scuttled. The mutineers attempted to land on Selaru, but the locals were hostile, so they rowed in the whaleboards to the Adaoet, where there was a Dutch station.

They obtained transport to Macassar, but when they arrived they were arrested and sent to Perth. Six mutineers were tried in June 1900, and five of them were found guilty and sentenced to death. The sixth man was acquitted. [5] Two death sentences were commuted to life imprisonment. The executions took place at Fremantle Prison. [6] [7]

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References

  1. "Privateers, Corsairs and Sea Rovers". National Library of Australia. 17 September 2019. Retrieved 18 August 2024.
  2. "Mutiny on the Ethel". Sunday Times (Perth) . No. 2219. Western Australia. 4 August 1940. p. 6 (SUNDAY TIMES MAGAZINE). Retrieved 18 August 2024 via National Library of Australia.
  3. "TRAGEDY AT SEA". The West Australian . Vol. 15, no. 4, 301. Western Australia. 14 December 1899. p. 5. Retrieved 18 August 2024 via National Library of Australia.
  4. "THE ETHEL MUTINY AND MURDER". The Daily Telegraph. No. 6401. New South Wales, Australia. 16 December 1899. p. 11. Retrieved 18 August 2024 via National Library of Australia.
  5. "THE ETHEL MUTINY AND MURDERS". The West Australian . Vol. 16, no. 4, 458. Western Australia. 18 June 1900. p. 2. Retrieved 18 August 2024 via National Library of Australia.
  6. "A SEA TRAGEDY". The West Australian . Vol. 16, no. 4, 431. Western Australia. 17 May 1900. p. 3. Retrieved 18 August 2024 via National Library of Australia.
  7. "The Ethel Tragedy". Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners' Advocate . No. 8019. New South Wales, Australia. 21 July 1900. p. 2. Retrieved 18 August 2024 via National Library of Australia.