The Far Side of the World ship and swam for shore; only half of them landing. Eventually, the hopeless situation forced the frigate to surrender. The "Essex" suffered 58 killed, 97 wounded, while the British casualties were 5 dead, 10 wounded. The novel provided part of the title and some of the plot-structure for the 2003 Peter Weir film, "". The fictional USS "Norfolk" morphed into the fictional American-built French privateer "Acheron", and episodes also migrated from other books in the series, including "Master and Commander" and "HMS Surprise". The design and size of the fictional "Acheron" reflect those of the USS "Constitution". In reviewing the
Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World fog bank to evade pursuit. Aubrey's officers tell him that "Surprise" is no match for "Acheron", and that they should abandon the chase. Aubrey points out that the "Acheron" must not be allowed to plunder the British whaling fleet. He orders the "Surprise" refitted at sea, rather than returning to port for repairs. Shortly afterwards, "Acheron" again ambushes "Surprise", but Aubrey slips away in the night by using a decoy raft and ship's lamps. Following the privateer south, "Surprise" rounds Cape Horn and heads to the Galapagos Islands, where Aubrey is convinced that "Acheron" will prey on Britain's whaling fleet.