Don Juan at anchor in Port Chalmers about 1875, before being broken up and left to rot at Deborah Bay. Photo from Port Chalmers Maritime Collection. : Colourful past of Otago's 'pirate ship'

One of two cannons, believed to be from Don Juan, in storage at the Port Chalmers Maritime Museum. Photo by Gregor Richardson. : Colourful past of Otago's 'pirate ship'

A depiction of Don Juan in her glory days, making sail during a 40-year career that took her from Sweden, to South America, the Pacific and, finally, Otago Harbour. Image supplied. : Colourful past of Otago's 'pirate ship'

The rotting timber spine poking from the water marks the final resting place of Don Juan. Photo by Chris Morris. : Colourful past of Otago's 'pirate ship'

Historian and author Norman Ledgerwood says the story of Don Juan deserves to be remembered. Photo by Gregor Richardson. : Colourful past of Otago's 'pirate ship'