Alone in the Pacific

The other two whaleboats return to the sinking ship and the first mate tells the captain how the Essex has been ‘stove’ by a whale. You help the crew to save some of the supplies aboard the floundering vessel before it sinks beneath the waves. With no hope of rescue, Captain Pollard decides to sail the three whaleboats to the coast of South America, which is 2,983 miles (4,800 km) away. Your daily rations are limited to 6 ounces (170 g) of hardtack biscuit and a quart (1 litre) of water per man, plus whatever fish you can catch. You may have enough supplies for a two-month voyage. Will the food and water last?

ABANDON SHIP!
Left, the captain orders the crew to man the whaleboats and to abandon the Essex, taking with them any provisions that can be rescued from the sinking ship.

THAT SINKING FEELING
Right, the Essex remains partly afloat, surrounded by a slick of whale oil from the ruptured barrels in her hold.

SHORT RATIONS
Above, two casks of bread, 595 pounds (270 kg) of hardtack biscuits and several casks of fresh water are rescued from the ship. These are meagre rations for 20 men to share.

KILLER WHALE ATTACK
Above right, about a week after the crew abandon the Essex, a killer whale attacks the whaleboat under Captain Pollard’s command. It bites a chunk out of the side of the boat and batters the vessel with its tail before the crew drive the whale off.

CANNIBALS?
Left, the nearest land is the Marquesa Islands, but the captain heads for South America. The crew think that cannibals live on the islands and that they would be eaten if they landed. They are wrong, however, and this decision would have grim results.

HANDY HINT
Right, remember to rescue the ship’s quadrant so that you can find your position. Without it you cannot sail a correct course to land.

Based on the book, You Wouldn't Want to Sail on a 19th-Century Whaling Ship!
Copyright 2004 - the Salariya Book Company