

Episode 521: The Tragedy of the Essex Part II - A Belly Full of Blood
Feb 10, 2023
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Whale Attacks on Ships
- The Pussy Hall was attacked by a whale in 1835 but escaped.
- Other ships, like the N-Alexander, sank near the Essex, coinciding with Moby Dick's publication.
Underreported Whale Attacks
- Whale attacks on ships likely occurred more often than records suggest.
- Sailors' superstitions and the inherent dangers of whaling may have led to underreporting.
Essex Crew's Survival Plan
- The Essex crew prioritized survival after the whale attack.
- Twenty-one men split into three whaleboats, with provisions divided based on rank.