A Dolphin ‘Pelorus Jack’ Escorted and Guided Ships Safely Through A Dangerous Pass For 24 Years!
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, a unique marine guardian emerged in the waters of New Zealand. Pelorus Jack, a Risso’s dolphin, became a legendary figure for guiding ships through the perilous French Pass near D’Urville Island. For 24 years, from 1888 to 1912, this extraordinary dolphin safely escorted countless vessels through the dangerous strait. Consequently, it earned the trust and admiration of sailors and passengers alike. Pelorus Jack was also the first dolphin in the world to receive the protection of the law.
Pelorus Jack was first spotted in 1888 when he began accompanying ships traveling from Pelorus Sound to Nelson. The French Pass, a narrow and treacherous channel with strong currents and underwater rocks, posed a significant risk to vessels. Despite the dangers, Pelorus Jack consistently appeared to guide ships through this hazardous passage. His reliability and dedication to assisting ships became very well-known. So much so that sailors would often wait for him to show up before attempting the crossing. His presence was even seen as a good omen by those who navigated the area. Let us learn more about this helpful creature and his eventual fate.
The French Pass
French Pass, which the Māori called Te Aumiti, is a narrow channel. It is located between the northeastern tip of the South Island and D’Urville Island in New Zealand. This stretch of water is about 500 meters wide at its narrowest point. It is notorious for its strong tidal currents, which can reach speeds of up to 8 knots. These currents create dangerous whirlpools and eddies, making navigation extremely challenging, even for experienced sailors. The pass is also littered with underwater rocks and reefs, adding to the hazards faced by ships passing through.
The turbulent waters of French Pass have claimed many vessels over the years.
The Guiding Guardian Pelorus Jack
Pelorus Jack was not just any ordinary dolphin. He was a Risso’s dolphin, a species not commonly found in New Zealand waters. His distinctive white markings and friendly behavior quickly made him a familiar and beloved figure among the maritime community. Over the years, Pelorus Jack guided an estimated 2,000 ships through the French Pass, ensuring their safe passage through one of the most treacherous stretches of water in the region.
His guiding routine was consistent. He would meet ships at the entrance to Pelorus Sound and accompany them as far as the French Pass. However, he never ventured beyond the pass, leaving the ships to navigate the rest of their journey on their own. On their return, he would again join them after they had successfully navigated the pass. Then he would lead them back to safer waters. This behavior puzzled and fascinated those who encountered him, leading to widespread speculation about his motives and intelligence.
The First Sighting of Pelorus Jack
The first recorded sighting of Pelorus Jack was in 1888 when he was observed guiding the schooner Brindle through the French Pass. The ship’s crew was initially astonished by the sight of a dolphin swimming alongside them, but their amazement grew as they realized that the dolphin was deliberately guiding their vessel through the treacherous waters. This marked the beginning of a 24-year relationship between Pelorus Jack and the ships that navigated this dangerous passage.
Over time, Pelorus Jack became a familiar and comforting presence for the crews of the ships he guided. His reliability was such that sailors would often delay their passage through the French Pass until he appeared, believing that his guidance was essential for a safe journey.
Legal Protection For Pelorus Jack
The fame of Pelorus Jack grew rapidly, attracting tourists, writers, and even international attention. Among those who came to see him was the renowned American author Mark Twain, who was fascinated by the dolphin’s unique behavior. However, not everyone appreciated Pelorus Jack’s presence. In 1904, a crew member on the SS Penguin attempted to shoot Pelorus Jack as he guided the ship through the pass. Although the attempt failed, the incident caused an outcry and led to the legal protection of Pelorus Jack.
New Zealand became the first country in the world to grant legal protection to a marine mammal, specifically under the Sea-fisheries Act 1894. This protection was renewed several times during Pelorus Jack’s life, ensuring his safety as he continued his guiding duties. The law prohibited any harm to Pelorus Jack, reflecting the deep respect and affection that people had for him. His protection was not just a legal milestone but also a cultural one, highlighting the importance of preserving the natural world.
Pelorus Jack’s influence extended beyond the legal realm. He became a cultural icon in New Zealand, inspiring songs, stories, and even a chocolate bar named after him. In 2016 Dunedin sculptor Bryn Jones unveiled a statue immortalising the tenacious marine mammal. The 3.5m-long life-size sculpture was carved out of polyurethane foam.
The Mysterious Disappearance of Pelorus Jack
In April 1912, Pelorus Jack was last seen guiding a ship through the French Pass. His sudden disappearance sparked numerous theories about his fate. Some believed that he had been harpooned by Norwegian whalers, who were reported to have anchored near the entrance to Pelorus Sound around the time of his last sighting. There was also an account of an anonymous deathbed confession by a man who claimed to have helped his father kill a stranded dolphin after a storm, later realizing it was Pelorus Jack. However, this story remains unverified.
Others, including Charlie Moeller, the lighthouse keeper at French Pass, believed that Pelorus Jack had died of old age and was washed up on a beach, where his carcass eventually rotted away. Given that Risso’s dolphins typically live around 20 years in the wild, it is plausible that Pelorus Jack, who was at least 24 years old, succumbed to the natural course of life. Despite the mystery surrounding his death, Pelorus Jack’s legacy continues.
Conclusion
Pelorus Jack was more than just a dolphin; he was a symbol of the bond between humans and the natural world. For 24 years, he faithfully guided ships through the dangerous waters of the French Pass, earning a place in history as a maritime legend. His story is a reminder of the importance of respecting and protecting the animals that share our world. The legal protection granted to him set a precedent for the conservation of marine life, and his legacy continues to inspire efforts to safeguard our oceans today. Pelorus Jack may have vanished from the seas over a century ago, but his memory remains a cherished part of New Zealand’s heritage.
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