Stove by a Whale!

The months go by as you search for whales in the heart of the Pacific Ocean. It is November 20th, 1820 – a day you will remember for the rest of your life. While most of the crew are on a whale hunt you spot a huge sperm whale – about 80 ft (26 m) long and weighing 80 tons – heading straight for the Essex. First it rams the ship’s side. Then it rams the bow, pushing the ship backwards and causing seawater to pour into the hold. The Essex begins to sink. The whale swims off, leaving the wreckage of the ship and its crew to the mercy of the Pacific Ocean.

DAMAGED
The first mate’s whaleboat is damaged by a whale during the chase and returns to the Essex for repairs.

HAMMERING
Perhaps the bull (male) sperm whale was attracted by the sound of the crew repairing the whaleboat.

SHIPKEEPER
It’s your turn to stay on the Essex as shipkeeper. Most of the crew are manning the three whaleboats.

LOOK OUT!
A huge whale is heading for the Essex. Does it see the ship as a rival male?

YOUR JOURNAL Many years later you write a journal with drawings (above right) of the whale attack and the sinking of the Essex. You write, “Here lay our beautiful ship, a floating and dismal wreck...”

HANDY HINT
Keep a bag of emergency supplies close at hand. You never know when you will need it!

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