In the Heart of the Sea: The Tragedy of the Whaleship Essex

Struggling to familiarize themselves with their new vessels, the men of the Essex also dealt with the fact their vessels were heavily overloaded by almost double their normal operating weight. They determined that they should do everything in their power to remain together as a means of both practical utility—a way of sharing navigational equipment as well as technical expertise—and emotional support. The struggle now was to keep on track for their destination and to carefully guard their provisions: “Each man would get six ounces of hardtack and half a pint of water a day” (106), a starvation diet at best. Making matters worse was the fact that most men regularly used tobacco and so had to experience nicotine withdrawal as well.

As the men continued their journey, it became clear that they would soon run low on water. Meanwhile, Chase was struggling to handle their new circumstances as he continued to relive the events of the whale attack in his own mind. Determined to regain control, Chase began to record their circumstances in a daily log. After one day had passed, the men realized they were ahead of their desired 60-mile-per-day schedule and were optimistic.