Dutch term – Overboord

Overboord means “overboard,” in the literal sense of going over the side of the ship. It is one of many Dutch nautical terms that made its way into English.

In death records or newspaper articles, you may sometimes find that your ancestor was overboord geslagen [went overboard] and drowned.

Example: Gerrit Engels Mooi

death record

Death record of Gerrit Engels Mooi. Credits: AlleFriezen (public domain)

Abstract:

Harlingen, 22 August 1838

Recorded an extract of a death record created on board of the Dutch “smakschip” [light coastal ship] De Waakzaamheid [the watchfulness] which indicates that Gerrit Engelse Mooi, age 42, mate on said ship, born in Oude Pekela, living in Harlingen, husband of Marijtje Alderts, without occupation living in that location, and son of Engel Jans Mooi and Trijntje Piekes,
fell overboard of said ship on 4 August of this year at 10 PM, fell into the sea and drowned.

This record is a rare example of a death record that shows the cause of death, as that was usually not recorded.

ship under sail

Smakschip. Credits: Het Verleden In Beeld (public domain)


Hattip: Dutch Genealogy Facebook Group, where this term was discussed in response to a question.
About Yvette Hoitink

Yvette Hoitink, CG®, QG™ is a professional genealogist in the Netherlands. She holds the Certified Genealogist credential from the Board for Certification of Genealogists and has a post-graduate diploma in Family and Local History from the University of Dundee. She has been doing genealogy for over 30 years and helps people from across the world find their ancestors in the Netherlands. Read about Yvette's professional genealogy services.

Leave comment

*