The Prinsendam Disaster – An Officer’s Account (2019)
Mathieu J. Oosterwijk

In 1970, Holland America Line (HAL) heralded extensive changes that would redirect its passenger services towards the opportunities that cruising would offer. This resulted in the order for a revolutionary new ship to start making exclusive cruises. Unlike anything previously seen in HAL service, the unique ship received the name ‘Prinsendam’. After delivery, HAL sent the stylish ship to Singapore and soon she fell into a routine of summer trips in the warm waters around Java.

On October 4, 1980, the Prinsendam was in the Gulf of Alaska off Cape Spencer, heading for Singapore. In the middle of the night a fire broke out and Captain Wabeke ordered everyone into the lifeboats. The US Coastguard sprung into action and successfully initiated one of the largest air-sea rescue operations attempted at that time. A week later the fire-gutted ship sank to an ice cold depth of 9,843 feet.

This book is the first to tell the story from the crew’s perspective and is authored by the Prinsendam’s second officer on that fateful, final voyage. He finally breaks the silence surrounding the events that led to the fire and describes in full detail all that really transpired. This extensively illustrated account puts an end to all rumours and false narratives that have been circulating regarding this disaster as well as shedding light on the short life of this ill-fated ship.

PB – 210 pages – richly illustrated, many images in color –
English expert-text
Maritime history

NOTE: DHL and national postage is included in the prices for US, UK and AUS. CAN price only includes DHL shipment and NOT national postage.

NL € (35.95) | US $ (57.60) | UK £ (36.00) | Can $ (28.80) | Aus $ (88.20)