Owen Chase Timeline & Summary

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Owen Chase Timeline & Summary

  • The Essex departs from Nantucket with Owen Chase as its first mate.
  • The Essex nearly flips just days after departure. Chase convinces Captain Pollard to keep going despite the damage.
  • During a whale hunt, the Essex is sunk after a rogue whale attack. Chase had an opportunity to stop this from happening but didn't take it.
  • Chase convinces Pollard that they should travel to South America instead of the Society Islands out of fear of savage natives.
  • After traveling some distance, Chase's boat is separated from the other officers'.
  • When they run out of rations, Chase and his boat-mates decide to eat Isaac Cole, a shipmate who has died.
  • Chase's boat is rescued near the coast of South America.
  • Chase continues to work as a captain after returning home.
  • Chase's first two wives both die in childbirth, and his third wife cheats on him while he's on his final whaling trip.