Democratic Sentinel, Volume 17, Number 23, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 23 June 1893 — ATTACKED BY A WHALE. [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

ATTACKED BY A WHALE.

A Sealing Schooner Meets with a Thrilling Experience. One of the most remarkable adventures with whales ever recorded was experienced by a sealing schooner off the coast of Japan not long ago. This vessel, the Mermaid from Victoria, B. C., was sailing under light canvas one day, the weather being rough, when the man at lookout caught sight of an immense whale lying asleep in the path of the vessel. Not wishing to disturb the big fellow in his slumbers, the schooner was steered to one side; but his whaleship had been awakened and was mad at the interruption of his nap. He made for the vessel, which, however, managed to keep out of his way for some time. Finally he came for her head on and there was no avoiding the attack. The seamen were frightened nearly out of their wits when the monster landed’ a heavy blow with his tail against the stem, breaking it and carrying off all the forward rigging, the stem itself hanging by a few splinters. But the vessel was not the only sufferer. Mr. Whale acted as if he was pretty badly hurt himself, and at. once retired from the scene by sinking below the surface. No more was seen of him by the crew. The

schooner was sailed as rapidly as possible to a Japanese port, where she was repaired.

THIS WHALE SUNK OUT OF SIGHT.