Here's what happened:
* In 1611, Hudson set sail on his fourth voyage, this time seeking a northwest passage to Asia.
* After months of searching, the crew became increasingly frustrated by the lack of progress and the harsh conditions.
* When the ship was frozen in the ice near Hudson Bay, tensions boiled over.
* The crew mutinied and set Hudson, his son, and seven other sick or injured men adrift in a small boat.
* The fate of Hudson and his companions is unknown, but it's believed they died at sea.
So, while it wasn't a "kick-off" in the literal sense, the crew's actions were essentially a mutiny that resulted in Hudson's abandonment.