The bow oarsman is the harpooner, but when he has made fast to the whale he goes aft and takes the mate's place at the steering oar, while the latter goes forward with the lances to deal the final murderous strokes.
"American Merchant Ships and Sailors"
Willis J. Abbot
The harpooner who leaped overboard escaped death by the act, the tail having struck the very spot on which he stood.
"American Merchant Ships and Sailors"
Willis J. Abbot
All the efforts of the other boats to approach the whale and deliver the harpooner were futile.
"American Merchant Ships and Sailors"
Willis J. Abbot