Ganges (1809 whaler)

Ganges, was a whaleship from Nantucket, Massachusetts, launched in 1809 in Massachusetts, that operated in the Pacific Ocean from 1815 to 1853. It was probably the vessel reported to have found Gardner Island in the Phoenix group. Although Barzillai Folger, the master of the ship during its voyage of 1835-39, is sometimes credited with being the first to discover the right whales of the Northwest coast, the Frenchman Narcisse Chaudiere, in Gange, preceded Folger. Chaudiere cruised on this ground during the summer of 1835, while Folger didn't leave port until October 26 of the same year.[2]

For other ships with the same name, see Ganges (Age of Sail merchant ship) and Ganges (disambiguation).
History
United States
OwnerGideon Gardner (reputedly), Nantucket, Massachusetts
BuilderHaverhill, Massachusetts
Launched1809
HomeportNantucket, Massachusetts
FateCondemned 1858
General characteristics
Tons burthen

Discovery of Gardner Island

Capt. Joshua Gardner, reportedly on board the whaleship Ganges, discovered an island in 1825, located at 4°20′S 174°22′W, and named it "Gardner's Island". His discovery was reported in the Nantucket Enquirer, December 1827.[3] However, contemporary Joshua Coffin (also reportedly on Ganges) is sometimes credited with the discovery, naming the island after his ship's owner, Gideon Gardner.[4]

Voyages

Between 1815 and 1858, Ganges made 11 whaling voyages:[5]

Departure Return Master Sperm oil (barrels) Whale oil (barrels) Notes
1815, Aug 1817, Oct Ray, Isaiah 1785 139
1818, Jun 1821, Jun Ray, Isaiah 1616 0
1821, Aug 1824, Mar Coffin, Joshua 1823 0
1825, Jun 1827, Nov Coffin, Joshua 1665 0
1828, Aug 1831, May Coffin, Joshua 1660 0 Visited Pitcairn Island (20 January 1829)
1832, Jun 1835, Aug Bodfish, Russell S. 1467 0
1835, Oct 1839, May Folger, Barzillai T. 1644 0
1841, Jul 1845, May Pitman, George 732 476
1845, Jul 1849, Jun Nichols, James 1910 0
1849, Sep 1853, Jul Coffin, Thomas M., II 1813 0
1853, Oct 1857, Mar Nicholson, John Beard 850 0

Citations
  1. Laing (1971), p.181.
  2. Webb 1988, pp. 35-40
  3. Dunmore, p. 115.
  4. Stackpole, p
  5. National Maritime Digital Library: Ganges.

References
  • Dunmore, John (1992); Who's Who in Pacific Navigation, Australia:Melbourne University Press, ISBN 0-522-84488-X
  • Laing, Alexander (1971) American ships. (American Heritage Press).
  • Mawer, Granville Allen; Ahab's Trade: The Saga of South Seas Whaling
  • Stackpole, Edouard A.; The Sea Hunters: The New England Whalemen During Two Centuries, 1635-1835
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