Flushing dry dock, model, c. 1783. In 1705 Flushing (Vlissingen) became the first Dutch harbour with a dry dock. A ship coming in for repairs would sail in at high tide and be supported by stocks. The sluice gates would then be closed and the water released with the ebb tide. The last remaining water was pumped out with a horse-powered mill. Ship's carpentry tools are shown on the floor of the dock and on the vessel's deck.