'Surprise Attack on Goa' on 30 September 1639, by Hendrick van Anthonissen, 1653. The VOC used every means at its disposal to combat its European rivals in Asia. Including military force. In late September 1639 a Dutch fleet attacked the city of Goa on the west coast of India, the heart of the Portuguese empire in Asia. At that time, Portugal still controlled a large proportion of the spice trade. The Portuguese were taken completely by surprise by the attack. The Dutch blockaded the harbour and delivered a painful blow to Portuguese trade. Fourteen years later Van Anthonissen depicted the moment of the attack. The Dutch ships Middelburch and Nieuw Haerlem and the Portuguese fort Mormugao are exchanging fire in the foreground, while in the bay of Goa, three Portuguese ships are under attack near the beach.