Skip to main content

HNLMS Abraham Crijnssen

Screenshot 2025-02-19 at 10.12.42 AM.png

The HNLMS Abraham Crijnssen, a Jan van Amstel-class minesweeper, found itself in a tight spot in 1942.

With Japanese forces advancing in the Pacific, the ship was stranded and vulnerable. Its captain and crew knew they had to act quickly and decisively. They developed a daring plan: to disguise the ship as a small, unassuming island. They used foliage and other materials to create a convincing camouflage, effectively turning their warship into a floating piece of the landscape.

By day, they remained still, mimicking the appearance of a stationary island. At night, under the cloak of darkness, they would cautiously move, navigating through the dangerous waters. This extraordinary tactic of deception allowed the Abraham Crijnssen to slip past enemy patrols and eventually reach the safety of Allied territory, a remarkable feat of naval ingenuity.

A Member of Maritime History

Become a Member

Membership to the Company of Master Mariners is open to all persons with an interest in maritime.

Types of Membership

We welcome diversity and encourage an inclusive culture, to help in the building of a more equitable and tolerant maritime industry. Our commitment to equity and inclusion across race, gender, age, religion, identity, and experience drives us to create a positive impact on the growth of the maritime industry.

Apply Now  Benefits of Membership