Egbert Meeuwisz Cortenaerby Bartholomeus van der Helst. The navy provided opportunities for a career and for social status. Egbert Meeuwisz Cortenaer (c. 1605-1665) rose through the ranks to the post of lieutenant admiral. Shortly after his appointment as lieutenant admiral in 1665 he was killed in the Battle of Lowestoft off the southeast coast of England.