Coffin ship

Coffin ships transported Irish immigrants to America and other colonies during the Great Irish Famine (1845-1852).[1] They were the cheapest way to cross the Atlantic but it was a miserable and dangerous journey.[2] The conditions on board were horrible because the ships were so crowded.[2] Also, there was little food and water. There were often diseases on board.[2]

Replica of the "good ship" Jeanie Johnston, which sailed during the Great Hunger when coffin ships were common. No one ever died on the "good ship"

One third (30%) of the passengers died before the arrival in Canada or the USA. Legend says sharks liked to follow coffin ships because the crew threw the dead bodies overboard.[3]

References
  1. Jim Shaughnessy (18 June 2015). "The Great Famine coffin ships' journey across the Atlantic". Irish Central. Retrieved 8 February 2016.
  2. "Coffin Ships". The History Place. Retrieved 8 February 2016.
  3. John Fahey, Survival (USA: John L. Fahey, 2015), p. 6
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