Stove Boats, Shipwrecks, and Cannibalism: The Perils of Westport Whaling Voyages
Whaling was a dangerous business. On long voyages so many things could go wrong. Men got sick far from land. […]
Local history articles, Maritime, Whaling Disasters
Whaling Disasters
Whaling Disasters
George and Mary: Burned!
George and Mary was purchased by the New Bedford Veteran Firemen in 1896, and burned as part of a celebratory […]
Whaling Disasters
Whaling bark Catherwood: Shipwrecked!
Whaling bark Catherwood of Westport was totally lost on the Island of Narbio, one of the Galapagos group. Capt. Oliver […]
Whaling Disasters
Whaling ship President: Attacked by Natives!
There are conflicting reports of this incident. Some reports identify a different whaling ship (not from Westport). So please do […]
Whaling Disasters
Champion: Lost!
The British Barque Raja Bassa picked up the boat of the American whaling barque Champion [of Westport], with Capt. Gifford […]
Whaling Disasters
Janet: The Crew Member’s Account
THE STORY OF A SURVIVOR In the winter of 1849, the northeastern coast of America was visited by one of […]
Whaling Disasters
Janet: The Captain’s Account
THE MERCURY NEW BEDFORD, OCT 17-18,1849 Dreadful Suffering At Sea- We have received a letter from Capt. Hosmer, later master […]
Whaling Disasters
Cannibalism? A Difference of Opinion.
Westport’s most gruesome catastrophe befell the crew of the Janet in 1849. While chasing a whale, the master and several […]
Whaling Disasters
Dreadful Suffering at Sea! Westport’s Whaling Catastrophes
Westport suffered its share of disasters. The peak of the whaling industry in the 1850’s was matched by the peak in shipwrecks and other disasters. . . .