The Story of the New Bedford Whaling Ship Catalpa

In 1876, the whaling ship Catalpa sailing out of New Bedford, carried out a dramatic rescue of six Irish prisoners being held by the British in western Australia.

The story did not end there.

Following the rescue, there was a dangerous confrontation at sea, some rough weather, and a hero's welcome when the ship and the escaped prisoners arrived in the Port of New York.

The rescue and the people involved will be the subject of a free program on Saturday, March 29 at 2 p.m. in the Visitors Center at the New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park.

Lucy Bly, one of the "1850s Ladies" who frequently visit the National Park, and Jim Ryan, the great-grandson of Catalpa Captain George Smith Anthony, will be the presenters. Both stopped by Townsquare Sunday to preview the event.

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The rescue plan actually started to take shape in 1874, with the recruiting of Captain Anthony.

"My grandfather and three others went to Boston and found the Catalpa in a shipyard," Ryan said. "They purchased it for $5,600 and sailed it to New Bedford, where it underwent another $10,000 worth of work to make it seaworthy."

The Catalpa, with its crew of 23, departed New Bedford in April 1875, arriving in waters off Australia 11 months later.

The rescue plan itself was loaded with intrigue.

"One of the planners, John Boyle O'Reilly, had served time in the prison and was able to give them the lay of the land," Bly said. "Others traveled to Australia to assist in the rescue."

Less than a month later, six Irish prisoners who were working outside the prison scampered to a waiting whaleboat and headed to the Catalpa – and freedom.

On March 29 at the National Park Visitors Center, Bly and Ryan will share dozens of stories about the planning of the rescue and the rescue itself, and what happened to those Irish prisoners and rescuers after they stepped off the Catalpa in New York.

Ryan will also share some artifacts quietly kept by family members over the years.

The story is a glimpse of New Bedford history during the 1800s, and the intrigue surrounding a well-planned rescue by the region's tight-knit Irish community. It's a great way to spend a Saturday afternoon.

If you would like your organization featured on Townsquare Sunday, please email the host at jim.phillips@townsquaremedia.com.