American whaler Balma visited Tahiti, French Polynesia according to the newspaper The Polynesian dated 4 September 1841

Wellcome Collection

Fishermen in boats have been attacking a whale but one boat is upset and a man is falling out. 

Coloured engraving by F. Duncan after W.J. Huggins 1834

An item reported the presence at Tahiti, French Polynesia on 8 March of the American whaling ship Balma captain Lucas of New Bedford, USA 30 months out 1.300 barrels sperm oil.