Champion: Lost!

The British Barque Raja Bassa picked up the boat of the American whaling barque Champion [of Westport], with Capt. Gifford and several men on board. The boat had been separated from her companions while engaged in the pursuit of three whales, off the Isle of Ascension. Capt. Gifford and his men were on board the British ship Tortoise at Ascension, all well, hoping for the arrival of the Champion at that island.

Evening Traveller, Boston MA, November 9, 1846