Owen Chase Timeline & Summary
MoreOwen 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.