This path was created by Derek James Rachel. The last update was by Erika Strandjord.
Coffin Ships
- A ship’s officer (qtd. in Litton 105).
Coffin Ships received their nickname for a reason. Conditions aboard such a ship would include disease-ridden quarters, non-existent hygiene situation, and no food and water for the one to two month trip ahead. Some coffin ships landed at their destination with more passengers dead than alive. However, there were only a few coffin ships that proved to be the exception. These coffin ships would have a better crew and enough supplies to last everyone for the entire journey. Explore further the conditions on coffin ships, and more information on the different coffin ships that sailed during the famine years.