Long before Herman Melville penned his famous tale of obsession and vengeance on the high seas, a real-life maritime tragedy unfolded that would inspire one of the greatest novels ever written. The story of the whaleship Essex is one of courage, endurance, and survival against impossible odds.
shipwreck
The Tale of the Wreck of St. Nicholas
Long ago, during the 17th century, a merchant ship named the St. Nicholas set sail from Amsterdam. It was named in honour of St. Nicholas, the patron saint of sailors and children, revered across Europe, particularly in seafaring nations.
HMS Victory Shipwreck
HMS Victory 1737
When HMS Victory is mentioned thoughts immediately turn to Nelson and the Battle of Trafalgar. However, there is another famous HMS Victory, the predecessor to Nelson’s flagship.