When was it published?

April 24, 1752 in The Virginia Gazette

Foreign News April 24, 1752

The Virginia Gazette

Q: What keywords are associated?

Sicily, Messina, Sea Monster, Fishermen, Animal Attack, Human Remains

Richmond, Williamsburg, Richmond County, Virginia

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What is this article about?

Near Messina, Sicily, a fisherman fell overboard and was eaten by a large sea monster. The next day, his comrades caught the 20-foot creature, found partial human remains inside, and burned it to avoid infection. (6th November last)

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Full Text

Some Fishermen being at their Employment in a little Vessel near the Port of Messina, in the Island of Sicily, one of them unfortunately fell overboard, and was snapp'd up by a Monster, resembling a large Sea Dog. The other Fishermen made instantly to Shore frighted; but, recovering their Panick, returned the next Day properly prepared to revenge their Comrade's Death, if the Monster should again appear upon their Coast.

Accordingly, on the 6th of November last, they caught it by Stratagem. It was a Female, and weighed upwards of 4000 Weight. It was 20 Feet in Length, and its Mouth excessive large, with three Rows of Teeth in the upper Jaw: the Tail was six Feet in Length, but the Belly was not proportionate to the rest of the Body, being only 14 Feet in Circumference.

When the Fishermen cut it up, they found in it a great Quantity of Fish, one Half of a Man's Skull with the Hair on, two Legs, Part of the Back-Bone, and the Ribs, which, as they thought, belonged to their unfortunate Companion. They afterwards burnt the Monster for Fear of Infection.

What sub-type of article is it?

Disaster

What keywords are associated?

Sicily Messina Sea Monster Fishermen Animal Attack Human Remains

Where did it happen?

Port Of Messina, In The Island Of Sicily

Foreign News Details

Primary Location

Port Of Messina, In The Island Of Sicily

Event Date

6th Of November Last

Outcome

one fisherman killed and partially eaten; monster caught, dissected, and burnt to prevent infection

Event Details

Fishermen near Messina lost one comrade to a large sea monster resembling a sea dog. They returned the next day and caught the female monster by stratagem. It measured 20 feet long, weighed over 4000 pounds, with a large mouth and three rows of teeth. Inside were fish, half a man's skull with hair, two legs, part of backbone, and ribs believed to be the companion's.