What happens when an ordinary New Bedford whaling voyage turns into one of the most extraordinary survival stories in American maritime history? In this episode of The Photo Detective, I talk with bestselling maritime historian Eric Jay Dolin, author of The Wreck of the Mentor. Dolin has written more than seventeen acclaimed books on maritime history, environmental policy, pirates, privateers, hurricanes, and the American whaling industry, including Leviathan: The History of Whaling in America and A Furious Sky.
We explore the tragic 1834 wreck of the Mentor, whose crew became stranded for years on the islands of Palau after their ship struck a reef. Eric shares how firsthand survivor accounts, newly digitized archival sources, and years of historical research allowed him to reconstruct this remarkable story of endurance, cultural encounters, and rescue. Along the way, we discuss why these stories matter to genealogists and family historians seeking to understand the lives—and sometimes mysterious disappearances—of their seafaring ancestors.
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About My Guest:
Eric Jay Dolin is the best-selling author of numerous works in maritime history, including Left for Dead; Black Flags, Blue Waters; and Leviathan. He now lives in Marblehead, Massachusetts, with his family. http://www.ericjaydolin.com/
About Maureen Taylor:
Maureen Taylor, The Photo Detective® helps clients with photo related genealogical problems. Her pioneering work in historic photo research has earned her the title “the nation’s foremost historical photo detective” by The Wall Street Journal and appearances on The View, The Today Show, Pawn Stars, and others. Learn more at Maureentaylor.com