This page contains links to all entries in the Whaling Disasters category.
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. . . .
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...
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...
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...
Champion: Lost!
The British Barque Raja Bassa picked up the boat of the American whaling barque Champion [of Westport], with Capt....
President: Attacked by Natives!
Crew of the President [of Westport] attacked by natives of Easter Island just as they had reached the shore...
Catherwood: Shipwrecked!
Whaling bark Catherwood of Westport was totally lost on the Island of Narbio, one of the Gallapagos group. Capt. Oliver...
George and Mary: Burned!
George and Mary was purchased by the New Bedford Veteran Firemen in 1896, and burned as part of a celebratory...