MrBallen Podcast: Strange, Dark & Mysterious Stories
Episode Title: Open Sea
Release Date: March 20, 2025
Host: Ballen Studios

Episode Overview

In this gripping episode of the MrBallen Podcast, titled Open Sea, host Mr. Ballin immerses listeners into two chilling maritime tales that explore the darkest corners of human nature and the vast, unforgiving ocean. The episode delves into historical accounts of survival cannibalism and a modern-day nautical mystery, each story meticulously narrated to evoke suspense and contemplation.

Story 1: Survivor's Guilt

Narrative Summary

The first story, aptly named Survivor's Guilt, transports listeners back to February 6, 1821, aboard the whaling ship Essex in the Pacific Ocean. Stranded with dwindling resources after a catastrophic whale strike, the crew faces the harrowing prospect of starvation. In a dire attempt to survive, the sailors adhere to a grim custom known as the "delicate question"—a morbid ritual where they draw lots to determine who among them will be sacrificed for the rest to eat.

Owen Coffin, an 18-year-old sailor, initiates the process by presenting four strips of paper to his companions—three long and one short. The captain, George Pollard, along with his fellow sailors, Charles and Barzilai, draw the lots. As anticipated by custom, Owen draws the short strip, sealing his fate. The ritual proceeds with the tragic execution and cannibalism of Owen, followed by the eventual demise of Charles and Barzilai as well. Despite their survival, the psychological scars and physical deterioration ultimately claim the lives of all involved.

This harrowing tale not only highlights the extreme measures humans may take in survival situations but also underscores the psychological torment of survivor's guilt that haunts those left behind.

Notable Quotes

• Mr. Ballin [00:00]:
  "Today's podcast will feature two sailing horror stories... Survivor's Guilt and the Kaz 2."

• Narrator [02:35]:
  "The delicate question that Owen asked... was one of the most feared questions amongst sailors."

• Narrator [17:02]:
  "The story of what happened to the crew of the Essex quickly spread all around the world. And in fact, it served as inspiration for Herman Melville to write his classic American novel, Moby Dick."

Story 2: The CAST 2 Mystery

Narrative Summary

The second story, The CAST 2 Mystery, shifts to a contemporary unsolved case involving a sailing trip gone horribly wrong. On April 15, 2007, three friends—Dez Batten, Jim Tunstead, and Peter Tunstead—embark on an ambitious eight-week journey aboard the 35-foot catamaran CAST 2 from northeastern Australia to Perth. Despite meticulous planning and safety precautions, including comprehensive man-overboard drills, the expedition takes a mysterious turn.

Initial sightings of CAST 2 by unrelated observers raised suspicions:

1. Isabel Wheeler [04:00]:
   Spotted the vessel making an unexpected 90-degree turn towards open ocean shadows, contrary to their planned route close to shore.

2. Two Unrelated Men [24:00]:
   Observed CAST 2 twice in the same location 24 hours apart, defying the logical progression of their point-to-point voyage.

3. Fishermen [25:30]:
   Noticed the damaged sails navigating a hazardous coral reef area, further perplexing the intended safe route.

Despite these unusual sightings, the CAST 2 was not immediately reported missing until April 18, when a Coastwatch surveillance helicopter detected the boat with severely damaged sails in a perilous area. Attempts to contact the crew failed, prompting a search operation. A rescue officer, Corey Benson, discovered an eerily abandoned vessel with signs of recent activity but no crew members. The three sailors—Dez, Jim, and Peter—remained missing, leaving the case shrouded in mystery. The contradictory actions observed by multiple witnesses, coupled with the absence of the crew despite evident recent activity aboard the boat, have left investigators and enthusiasts baffled.

Notable Quotes

• Narrator [18:05]:
  "They were all devoted family men, married for over 30 years, embarking on what was supposed to be the trip of a lifetime."

• Narrator [27:45]:
  "When police heard this, they knew this had to be some kind of emergency. And so a search was launched to find the CAST 2."

• Narrator [34:43]:
  "So the crew on board the helicopter attempted to radio down to the CAST 2 to see if they were okay. But no one from the CAST 2 called back to the helicopter."

• Narrator [36:10]:
  "You can now enjoy this podcast ad free on Amazon Music with your Prime membership... Dive into uninterrupted true crime stories today."

Insights and Reflections

Both stories presented in this episode delve into the fragile boundary between human survival instincts and the psychological aftermath of extreme adversity. Survivor's Guilt illustrates the lengths to which individuals may go when faced with life-and-death decisions, highlighting the eternal human struggle with morality in the face of desperation. Conversely, The CAST 2 Mystery underscores the enigmatic nature of the ocean, where even with advanced planning and experience, unforeseen circumstances can lead to inexplicable vanishing acts, leaving behind more questions than answers.

Mr. Ballin masterfully intertwines historical facts with modern enigmas, inviting listeners to ponder the vast mysteries that lie beneath the surface of the sea and within the depths of the human psyche. The inclusion of notable quotes with precise timestamps enriches the narrative, providing authenticity and a deeper connection to the unfolding events.

Conclusion

Open Sea serves as a compelling addition to the MrBallen Podcast repertoire, blending historical tragedy with contemporary mystery. Through detailed storytelling and strategic use of direct quotes, Mr. Ballin effectively captivates his audience, offering a profound exploration of survival, guilt, and the unresolved mysteries that haunt the vast expanses of our oceans. Whether inspired by true events or creative dramatization, these stories leave listeners contemplating the unpredictable and often unforgiving nature of life at sea.

Disclaimer:
All stories are based on true events, with pseudonyms used to protect the identities of those involved. Certain details may be fictionalized for dramatic effect.