Jeronimus Cornelisz, who had been left in…

Jeronimus Cornelisz, who had been left in charge of the survivors, is well aware that if that party ever reached the port of Batavia, Pelsaert would report the impending mutiny, and his position in the planned mutiny might become apparent.

Therefore, he makes plans to hijack any rescue ship that might return and use the vessel to seek another safe haven.

Cornelisz even makes far-fetched plans to start a new kingdom, using the gold and silver from the wrecked Batavia.

However, to carry out this plan, he first needs to eliminate possible opponents.

Cornelisz's first deliberate act is to have all weapons and food supplies commandeered and placed under his control.

He then moves a group of soldiers, led by Wiebbe Hayes, to nearby West Wallabi Island, under the false pretense of searching for water.

They are told to light signal fires when they find water and they will then be rescued.

Convinced that they will be unsuccessful, he then leaves them there to die.

Cornelisz now has complete control.

The remaining survivors are to face two months of unrelenting butchery and savagery.