Ship Wrecked by A Whale.

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 4, Issue 104, 5 November 1915, Page 2 (Supplement)

Ship Wrecked by A Whale.

On ingust 20. 1851, when the whale shin "Ann Alexander" (Captain John S. Deblois) was in lat. 5 deg.. 50 mro.b. and long. 102 deg. W., she sighted several whales, and by noon succeeded in making fa.st to one. The mate's boat, which "had harpooned the whale, was crushed to bits by the enormous ]aws of the whale, but fortunately the men were all rescued. A boat was sent from the ship, and the crews were divided between the two. They then went in pursuit of the whale, which suddenly made a tremendous dash at the mate s boat which was crushed into small atom*. But again the crew escaped unhurt and were rescued by the captain s boat. The boats then returned to the ship, which gave chase to the whale for about two or three miles, when suddenlv the monster made a blind rush at the ship, which it missed by a cable s length. The ship continued in pursuit, and"was gaining on the whale, when it disappeared beneath the surface of the water The "Ann Alexander" hovered round the spot till darkness came on. Suddenly the whale again appeared and charged the ship, ramming her. and knocking a large hole in her bottom The boats were cleared away, and the crew pushed off to a little distance, and in the morning, finding that the ship was still afloat, they attempted to get provisions, but were forced to leave her. On the 22nd they were picked up bv the " Xantuckett" (Captain Gibbs), and safely landed, their story creating the greatest surprise and interest.