Although the information in Lloyd's Register remained unchanged for some more years, in 1820 new owners, Newell & Co., shifted Achilles's registry to Dundee and started sailing her as a whaler.

[3] On 19 October 1824, Valentine and Achilles encountered HMS Griper, under the command of Captain George Lyon, which was on an expedition to discover the Northwest Passage.

Valentine informed Lyon of the ice conditions and weather, which had resulted in a weak whaling season and blocked much of Hudson's Strait.

Eighteen-thirty was the worst year for ship losses since 1819, when whalers first crossed the straits.

The second highest loss occurred in 1823 when 13 vessels totaling 4,409 tons (bm), were lost.