Whaling bark Catherwood: Shipwrecked!

Whaling bark Catherwood of Westport was totally lost on the Island of Narbio, one of the Galapagos group. Capt. Oliver states that she went ashore about 1AM in thick fog and dead calm. They commenced towing the vessel offshore but the swell was so heavy that in less than half an hour she struck and immediately went to pieces and they were compelled to abandon her, saving only the ship’s papers, the crew were obliged to leave without water or provisions, they were 5 days without food, subsisting only upon crabs. The only thing saved from the wreck was a cask of bread. The Catherwood had on board when lost 500 bbls sperm oil.

Boston Daily Courier February 19, 1856