Criminal The Custom of the Sea
Oct 24, 2025
Guest Adam Cohen, an author and expert on the infamous Mignonette case, shares the harrowing tale of survival at sea in 1883. He discusses Captain Thomas Dudley's ill-fated voyage and the dire choices faced by the crew as provisions dwindled. The chilling decision to draw lots for survival versus killing the cabin boy Richard Parker ignites a moral debate. Cohen elaborates on the trial's necessity defense and its impact on legal precedent, making this a gripping exploration of desperation and the darkest corners of human instinct.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Ill-Fated Voyage Of The Minionette
- Thomas Dudley accepted a risky job to sail the small yacht Minionette to Australia with a hastily assembled crew.
- The voyage began well but turned deadly after a storm sank the yacht near the equator, forcing the four men into a tiny leaking lifeboat.
Turtle Blood Bought Temporary Relief
- The stranded men killed and drank the blood of a sea turtle and tried to save its liquid for later.
- Turtle blood gave temporary relief, but subsequent losses and thirst made survival precarious.
The Custom Of Drawing Lots At Sea
-
