Captain William Harrison
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Captain William Harrison
The first commander of the Great Eastern, Cpt. William Harrisons fate mirrored that of the massive ship under his command, when he drowned in an accident off Southampton Date: circa 1859
Mary Evans Picture Library makes available wonderful images created for people to enjoy over the centuries
Media ID 14292800
© Mary Evans Picture Library
1859 Accident Command Drowned Fate Harrison Massive Mirrored Sideburns Southampton Steamships
EDITORS COMMENTS
Captain William Harrison: A Tragic Maritime Tale of Command and Calamity This evocative photograph captures the enigmatic figure of Captain William Harrison, the first commander of the iconic steamship, The Great Eastern. Circa 1859, Harrison's stoic demeanor and well-groomed sideburns are on full display as he sits, clad in a smart jacket, against a plain backdrop. The image exudes an air of authority and experience, befitting a man who had spent his career at sea. However, the seemingly serene image belies a tragic tale. Harrison's fate mirrored that of the massive ship under his command. The Great Eastern, a transport behemoth, was plagued by misfortune and technical difficulties. In an ironic twist, Harrison met his end in an accident off the coast of Southampton, drowning in the very waters he had navigated so many times before. The Great Eastern, launched in 1858, was the largest ship in the world at the time, and Harrison's appointment as her first commander was a testament to his exceptional skills and experience. However, the ship's size and complex engineering proved to be a challenge, and she was plagued by numerous setbacks and accidents. Despite Harrison's best efforts, the ship's maiden voyage was fraught with difficulties, and the captain's untimely death was a devastating blow to the crew and the maritime community. This poignant photograph serves as a poignant reminder of the human cost of maritime endeavor, and the inexorable pull of the sea that can claim even the most experienced of sailors.
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