Mutiny on the Ethel explained

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 peal 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]

Notes and References

Web site: Privateers, Corsairs and Sea Rovers. National Library of Australia. 17 September 2019. 18 August 2024.
News: Mutiny on the Ethel . . 2219 . Western Australia . 4 August 1940 . 18 August 2024 . 6 (SUNDAY TIMES MAGAZINE) . National Library of Australia.
News: TRAGEDY AT SEA. . . 15 . 4,301 . Western Australia . 14 December 1899 . 18 August 2024 . 5 . National Library of Australia.
News: THE ETHEL MUTINY AND MURDER. . The Daily Telegraph . 6401 . New South Wales, Australia . 16 December 1899 . 18 August 2024 . 11 . National Library of Australia.
News: THE ETHEL MUTINY AND MURDERS. . . 16 . 4,458 . Western Australia . 18 June 1900 . 18 August 2024 . 2 . National Library of Australia.
News: A SEA TRAGEDY. . . 16 . 4,431 . Western Australia . 17 May 1900 . 18 August 2024 . 3 . National Library of Australia.
News: The Ethel Tragedy. . . 8019 . New South Wales, Australia . 21 July 1900 . 18 August 2024 . 2 . National Library of Australia.