Coastline profile of New Ireland, Papua New Guinea

In late March 1643 the expedition of Abel Tasman approached the island of New Ireland, part today of Papua New Guinea. Due to a misunderstanding Tasman believed that he had already reached the mainland of New Guinea, while he was in fact sailing along the eastern coast of this separate island. On 1 April they approached New Ireland at a cape which they identified as the Cape of Saint Mary based on their interpretation of Spanish descriptions. They sailed north along the coast, observing several islands and island groups. One of these were named by them the Visschers Eilanden, on account of observing many prows they believed were engaged in fishing. These islands were part of the Tabar group.-Isaac Gilsemans, supercargo on board the Zeehaen, is commonly identified as the artist who drew these coastline profiles of the coast of New Ireland, mistaken for New Guinea, in Abel Tasman’s journal. It shows the coastline when one is sailing along the shore to the west of the Fisher Islands (Tabar group).