Charles W. Morgan Brings Storied History To New Bedford

Weather permitting, the last wooden whaleship in the world is expected to sail into New Bedford Harbor Wednesday afternoon.

The 173-year-old Charles W. Morgan, originally constructed and operated out of New Bedford from 1841 to 1921, will be spending several weekends in it's original homeport as it tours New England after a multi-year, multi-million dollar restoration.

Speaking on WBSM's "Taylor Cormier Show", Arthur Motta of the New Bedford Whaling Museum says the most recent restoration completed last year, was able to implement 21st century technology and take a closer look at the make-up of the vessel.

Motta says the Charles W. Morgan was one of the most profitable and storied whaling ships, having run-ins with arctic ice flows and Pacific island cannibals. In fact, the ship was almost lost in 1924 when the steamer 'Sanctity' caught fire in New Bedford Harbor.

Fortunately, Fairhaven firefighters were able to extinguish the flames in time to save the Morgan.

The ship changed hands several times before finding a home at Mystic Seaport where it has undergone extensive restoration.

If the Morgan does set sail Wednesday morning, it's expected to arrive between 3 and 4pm.