What is Henderson Island?

Henderson Island is the island that the crew landed on after the Essex sank although they believed it to be Ducie Island. The island began as a coral atoll, but volcanic activity pushed land underneath it up. The cliffs on the island are between thirty and thirty-five feet high. The men found some birds and shellfish, but these were soon depleted and they found only a small source of fresh water. The crew decided to abandon the island and sail once again for South America. Three men, Thomas Chappel, Seth Weeks, and William Wright, chose to remain behind on the island. They were later rescued.