The Arctic ice trapped Jacob van Heemskerck during the winter of 1596, forcing his crew to construct a shelter from driftwood and ship planks. This survival against the elements marked one of the first successful instances of overwintering in the high north, a feat that redirected maritime interest toward the lucrative potential of whale and seal fisheries.
Arctic Exploration
On 10 May 1596, Heemskerck departed to locate a passage to China via the Arctic. Alongside pilot Willem Barentsz and mate Gerrit de Veer, he discovered Bear Island on 9 June. By late August, the expedition reached Ice Haven, where their vessel became permanently anchored in pack ice. After surviving the winter in a makeshift shelter, the crew reached the Lapland coast in open boats by 13 June. Barentsz died during this return journey on 20 June. The voyage resulted in the charting of Spitsbergen, which the explorers misidentified as part of Greenland.
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Heemskerck served as a vice admiral protecting Dutch merchant interests in the East Indies. He departed Texel on 1 May 1598 with eight ships, returning in 1600. The following year, he commanded a portion of a thirteen-ship fleet alongside Admiral Wolphert Harmensz. In February 1603, he captured the Portuguese carrack Santa Catarina near Singapore. While his superiors had not authorized offensive engagements, Heemskerck justified the seizure as retaliation for Portuguese interference with Dutch merchants.
Command and Death at Gibraltar
Rising to the rank of admiral, Heemskerck gained a reputation for inspiring immense confidence among his crews. His leadership was defined by a willingness to prioritize tactical success over strict adherence to company guidelines. During the Battle of Gibraltar, he led an assault that destroyed 21 Spanish vessels. He died on 25 April 1607 from leg wounds sustained when a cannonball struck him. His remains were returned to the Netherlands and interred at the Oude Kerk in Amsterdam.
Fast facts
- Born: 1567, Amsterdam
- Died: 25 April 1607, Bay of Gibraltar
- Known for: Arctic exploration and the Battle of Gibraltar
- Military Rank: Admiral
- Burial site: Oude Kerk, Amsterdam
- Key Discovery: Spitsbergen
Questions readers ask
What happened to his armor after the battle?
His suit of armor is currently held in the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam, notably missing a thigh plate destroyed by the cannonball that killed him.
Why was the capture of the Santa Catarina controversial?
Heemskerck acted on his own initiative without authorization from his employers to engage in offensive warfare against the Portuguese.
Achievements
- Recorded as explorer, seafarer and admiral
