Dougherty is the name of a phantom island that was believed to be located in the southern hemisphere towards Australia. It is named for Captain Dougherty of the James Stewart, an English whaler, who in 1841 reported discovering it at 59°20′S 120°20′W / 59.333°S 120.333°W / -59.333; -120.333. He described it as 5–6 miles long with a high bluff to the northeast, and covered in snow. Dougherty's discovery was confirmed by Captain Keates of the Louise in 1860, giving its coordinates as 59°20′S 120°18′W / 59.333°S 120.3°W / -59.333; -120.3, and by Captain Stannard of the Cingalese 1886, giving the location as 59°21′S 119°7′W / 59.35°S 119.117°W / -59.35; -119.117.
However, thorough exploration of the area in the latest 19th and early 20th centuries established that the island does not exist. Captain Davis of the Nimrod suggested that the most likely explanation was that Dougherty, Keates, and Stannard were all deceived by fog banks or icebergs (none, after all, claimed to have actually landed on the island): "I am inclined to think Dougherty Island has melted."
Famous quotes containing the word island:
“We approached the Indian Island through the narrow strait called “Cook.” He said, “I ‘xpect we take in some water there, river so high,—never see it so high at this season. Very rough water there, but short; swamp steamboat once. Don’t paddle till I tell you, then you paddle right along.” It was a very short rapid. When we were in the midst of it he shouted “paddle,” and we shot through without taking in a drop.”
—Henry David Thoreau (1817–1862)