Technical And Intense

This chapter describes the crotch, a device used to hold harpoons on a whaleboat, and the strategy and risks involved with throwing multiple harpoons into a whale.

Chapter 63 goes into detail about the 'crotch', a notched tool embedded in the gunwale of a whaleboat, designed to hold the harpoon while not in use. The crotch stores two harpoons, known as the first and second irons, both connected to the line, doubling the chance of a successful catch. The necessity of quickly hurling both harpoons and the difficulties that can arise, such as the second iron causing havoc if the whale moves violently after being struck with the first, are discussed. The risks, including entangled lines or cut ones and the potential fatality of these scenarios, are highlighted. The complexities are further magnified when several boats engage a single whale and multiple 'second irons' are in the water, increasing the dangerous conditions and the level of skill required by the crew.