Duyfken's visit to Walvis Bay in Namibia highlighted the long maritime history of the coastline, the northern part which is called the Skeleton Coast for good reason.

As in Cape Town where the Khoikhoi herders encountered the Dutch traders and began to trade, so it was in Walvis Bay where European ships traded with the local herders.

The VOC ships Grundel and Boode visited Walvis Bay in 1670 and 1677, although trade was not established.

A century later, American whalers established settlements along the coast to work the rich whaling grounds offshore.

More recently, remains of a VOC vessel, the Vlissingen,are believed to have been found south of Walvis Bay.

It is hoped that Duyfken's visit will generate wider interest in the Vlissingen and perhaps lead to a detailed search for the remains of the vessel.