The 800 Ton Dutch East Indiaman Ravestein was sailing to Jakarta from the Netherlands with a valuable cargo of gold and silver when it ran a ground near Mathiveri Island in Ari Atoll on May 9, 1726.

At the time of loss, nine chests of silver and one chest of Gold were recovered.

The Captain, Antony Klink, sent the rest of the crew to Male', while he remained for one month at the island near where the vessel was lost. The arrogant conduct of Klink tested the patience of the Maldivians, in particular, Sultan Ibrahim Iskandar II (1720 - 50 AD). In a letter sent to the Dutch Governor of Ceylon, the sultan said Klink did nothing but complain bitterly of the inhabitants of the islands.

QUOTE:

He (the Captain) expected them to work like European sailors, not taking into consideration the fact that they are only wretched creatures who look upon the smallest service extracted from them as a grievous oppression. You are well aware gentlemen, of the nature of the islanders.

UNQUOTE:

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