The Cheseborough, wrecked off the coast of Shariki, Aomori, Japan in 1889.
|Owner:||Arthur Sewall & Co., Bath, Maine|
|Fate:||Wrecked, October 30, 1889|
|Tons burthen:||1461 tons bm|
|Length:||204 ft (62 m)|
|Beam:||40 ft (12 m)|
|Depth of hold:||24 ft (7.3 m)|
|Sail plan:||Full-rigged ship|
The Cheseborough was a 19th-century American ship which wrecked off the coast of Japan in 1889.
On October 30, 1889, driven by a typhoon, she ran aground off the coast of Shariki, Aomori Prefecture, Japan. In a courageous rescue, the villagers saved a number of the crew and nursed them back to health.
All aboard would have been lost had not the villagers, braving the wind and waves, tied ropes around themselves and ventured into the sea in a heroic attempt to carry any survivors to safety. Those remaining on shore also gave the best of their efforts by lighting fires, bringing food and clothes. Two youths ran the entire 40 miles (64 km) to the prefectural capital, Aomori, to summon help. Of the twenty-three crew members, nineteen drowned, and the other four were rescued by fisherman and villagers who worked through storms at the risk of their lives. Reports from the time indicate Mrs. Kudou, a local villager, held a frozen sailor against her bare body in an effort to save his life.
Connection between nations
From this incident, a friendship began between the village of Shariki, Japan, and the city of Bath, Maine. In 1994, officials of both municipalities signed a sister-city agreement promising future cooperation and further exchange.
A letter from President of The United States to the citizens of Shariki, Japan:
- "I commend you for honoring those people who lost their lives when the Cheseborough sank in 1890. By hosting the Bath, Maine, Junior High exchange students, you are contributing to our two nations efforts to sustain and deepen the goodwill that exists between us. The exchange program between students of Shariki and students of Bath is a shining example of the value of promoting mutual understanding and appreciation of different cultures. A strong relationship between Japan and the United States is vital in helping to meet the challenges that the future holds for us. Student exchange programs are especially important building blocks for stronger ties between Japan and the United States. Best wishes for any future exchanges and long-lasting friendships."
In memory of the event, the town of Shariki hosts the "Cheseborough Cup Swim Ekiden." The event is a relay which combines a swim race and long distance run. Its slogan: "Sending a message of Courage and Love across the Seas."
- (2007). "Bath, Maine." Aomari Prefecture. Retrieved September 21, 2007.
- Meyer, Armin (1974). Assignment: Tokyo. New York: Bobbs-Merrill.
- "Bath-Tsugaru Sister City Program". bath-tsugaru.org.
- 国際交流-メーン州バス市 (Kokusai Kōryū—Maine-shū Bath-shi)
- メーン州 (Maine-shū) at Aomori Prefecture web site