Explosive Harpoon Head
Cast iron harpoon head that would have been propelled by an explosive charge that was mounted and lit behind its wide base. The head of the harpoon has four blunt prongs which would, under explosive charge, have buried themselves in to the poor whale. This harpoon would have been used in the local whaling activities. The word "GAUNT" has been engraved into the harpoon head and may be the name of the ship that it was used on.
Whaling was one of the first industries established in WA. The Castle Rock Whaling Company based itself at Castle Bay between 1845 to 1872, as it provided shelter, water, firewood and a high point from which to spot whales. Running a whaling station at such a remote spot had its problems like drunkenness, absconding workers and in 1849 all boats and sheds were destroyed by fire.
The two main species of whales targeted by whalers at Castle Bay were the Humpback Whale and the Southern Right Whale which migrate north-south along the Western Australian coastline stopping in Geographe Bay to feed and strengthen their calves before continuing to the Southern Ocean.
Details
Details
Inscribed on the side are the letters
GAUNT
A harpoon is a long spear-like projectile used in fishing, whaling, sealing, and other hunting activities to capture large fish or marine mammals such as seals, sea cows and whales. It accomplishes its task by impaling the target animal and securing it with barb or toggling claws, allowing the fishermen to use an attached rope or chain to retrieve the animal.
The first use of explosives in the hunting of whales was made by the British South Sea Company in 1737. A large fleet was sent, armed with cannon-fired harpoons. Although the weaponry was successful in killing the whales, most of the catch sank before being retrieved.
Busselton Historical Society
Busselton Historical Society
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