Nils Larsen Sea Captain, was born in Sandar, Norway in 1900. He lived a life full of adventure and discovery, until his death in 1976. While he’s best known for his scientific expeditions to Antarctica, he was also a successful whaler and captain.
Nils Larsen began life in Sandar, Norway. Before sailing the high seas, he obtained his Master’s degree. He then made a name for himself as a whaler and captain.
Antarctic Voyages
Nils Larsen Sea Captain served as the first mate to Lars Christensen. Christensen was a wealthy whale ship owner who financed the Antarctic Norwegia expeditions.
The expedition began with Odd 1, which made its way to Peter 1 island. Nils Larsen was the first person to set foot on Peter 1 Island in more than a century. He claimed the island for Norway. Bouvet Island was also claimed during a Norwegia expedition.
Nils Larsen Sea Captain is still well known for these harrowing expeditions, which brought ground-breaking scientific discoveries. Peter 1 was studied again in 1987, by the Norwegian Institute. The island remains uninhabited, and only 15 tourist ships have been near the island since 1987.
Nils Larsen Whaling Career
Nils Larsen Sea Captain captained several whaling ships for the shipping company Thor Dahl A/S of Sandefjord. In fact, it was his whaling skills and connections to the industry that made him the perfect first mate for the Norwegia expeditions.
Whaling has long been a tradition in Norway. It’s believed it began in the 9th or 10th century. The Vikings devised methods to drive minke whales into the fjords of Iceland, where they were easier to catch. The whales were used as food. Whalers would also make oil from their blubber. The oil was very valuable, and was traded in many parts of the world.
The sustainable practice of whaling changed around the time Nils Larsen Sea Captain burst onto the scene. The industry was at its peak. There was adventure, profit, and perhaps even glory to be had on the deck of a whaling ship.
The whaling industry experienced a boom due to the invention of the harpoon gun. Men no longer had to throw spears by hand. A harpoon gun would propel the spear mechanically. This offered greater accuracy, and a more forceful throw.
This allowed the whales to be caught more easily, and reduced the skill involved in successfully hunting whales as well.
Many species of whale were brought to the brink of extinction as the hunting frenzy continued. Whale populations are on the rise thanks to strict hunting regulations, but they have not completely recovered from the whaling boom.
The Call of Adventure
Nils Larsen Sea Captain could have continued his successful whaling career, but he was destined for more. He’s remembered for setting foot on frigid pristine islands and exploring the seas. His name conjures up a longing to explore the unknown and stake our own claim.