Coffin ship
Coffin ships transported Irish immigrants to America and other colonies during the Great Irish Famine (1845-1852).[1] They were the cheapest way to cross the Atlantic but it was a miserable and dangerous journey.[2] The conditions on board were horrible because the ships were so crowded.[2] Also, there was little food and water. There were often diseases on board.[2]
One third (30%) of the passengers died before the arrival in Canada or the USA. Legend says sharks liked to follow coffin ships because the crew threw the dead bodies overboard.[3]
Coffin Ship Media
Replica of the "good ship" Jeanie Johnston, which sailed during the Great Hunger when coffin ships were common. No one ever died on the Jeanie Johnson
Famine national monument at Murrisk
The obverse side of a medal given to Samuel Plimsoll showing a coffin ship
References
- ↑ Jim Shaughnessy (18 June 2015). "The Great Famine coffin ships' journey across the Atlantic". Irish Central. Retrieved 8 February 2016.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 "Coffin Ships". The History Place. Retrieved 8 February 2016.
- ↑ John Fahey, Survival (USA: John L. Fahey, 2015), p. 6