Wreck of the Kent (Part 3): The Map

For previous segments, see: Part 1 and Part 2

This GIS image, made by Megan O'Donnell from the Kent's 1823 ship's log, shows the likely route of the Kent if all had gone well. It also features locations I'll be discussing in subsequent blog posts. Each point plotted on the Kent's course represents an entry in the ship's log. 

Mapping out the ship's progress toward India in 1823 (the white line) emphasized just how challenging travel was in an era dependent on wind power. Some days there might be significant progress; some days almost none. As Joanna noted in her letter, having enough provisions on board would be crucial for the health of people on board.  

One of the crucial locations in the Kent's story is the Bay of Biscay.

Encountered not long after the Kent left England, the Bay of Biscay is a region known for violent storms. Winds from North America blow uninterrupted across the Atlantic Ocean into Biscay, generating long waves that average around 20 feet high. Strong winds can make these waves still higher, leading to the conditions that, in 2016, triggered the abandonment of the Modern Express, a 33,000-ton cargo ship, in the face of a Bay of Biscay gale. 

On 26 January 2016 the Modern Express -- a Panama-registered car carrier -- ran into problems in the Bay of Biscay. A mayday was issued and all aboard were rescued.

In late February 1825, the 1332-ton Kent was unwittingly sailing into the path of a similar storm. 

Part 1

Part 2

Part 3

Part 4

Part 5

Part 6