Margot Morrell
Oct 24, 20231 min
Frank Hurley's Journal, October 24, 1915
The floes which have been in motion during the afternoon, set in with great energy about 6 p.m., assailing the ship on the starboard quarter. All hands go down onto the floe with picks, shovels and chisels, and cut trenches to relieve the strain. At 7 p.m., an oncoming floe impinges on the helm, forcing it hard over to port, wrenching the rudder post. The ship's stern post is seriously damaged, and the hidden ends of the plankings started. Soundings in the well announce the gloomy tidings that we are rapidly making water. The pumps are immediately manned, and steam raised for the Engine room pumps. The water is at present easily kept under, and the carpenter immediately set to work constructing a coffer dam in the shaft tunnel. Watches keep the pumps manned vigourously: their clickety click resounds throughout the night, above the ominous creaking of timbers. The position is serious, as it is evident our old enemy is not going to remain passive at this juncture - the critical period of disintegration.