BAY OF ISLES 333 



increasing and the latter beginning to break with some violence, it became necessary to 

 think of the safety of the 'Alert'. 



The wind from the east was blowing right into Camp Bay, but the bluff kept it from 

 touching our small nook. The only danger therefore was the swell , which curled round the 

 end of the rocky point in which the bluff ended, and when as far in as the 'Alert', 

 became a ground swell of respectable proportions. Unfortunately, with the surf then 

 breaking, we could not hope to launch the pram with only one oar. As, however, the 

 swell did not break nearly as far out as the ' Alert ' and she was riding easily, no im- 

 mediate danger was apprehended. We tried to shout a message to the 'Alert', but the 

 noise of water was too strong for it to be heard. 



All would have been well had the 'Alert' been swinging to her moorings, but un- 

 fortunately in order to prevent her swinging outside the protecting point, she had been 

 made fast by a fairly taut line from her stern to a rock on shore. At low water, about 

 2 p.m., a swell larger than usual came in. It broke out the weather anchor (she was 

 moored with three) and carried her in on its crest, casting her on the stony beach just 

 before the other anchors took the strain (Plate XL, fig. 2). 



At the time, the motorman and one seaman were on board. They were, however, 

 completely helpless in the suddenness of the emergency. Immediate steps were taken 

 to land the instruments and more important books, and to bowse everything taut to 

 prevent bumping; at the first opportunity all gear was landed, and the 'Alert' hauled 

 up above high-water mark. Unfortunately during these operations all hands became 

 wet and most of the instruments and books suffered to some extent. It was snowing 

 hard all the time. 



For the men not much could be done, as the supply of dry clothing was very scanty, 

 but Captain Abrahamsen, at Prince Olaf Harbour, had made us a Christmas present of 

 rum, which was most welcome. The temperature varied from 29 to 35° F., and we had to 

 contrive to dry the things by an extempore petrol-tin stove and a little damp driftwood. 

 Primus stoves are not well adapted for drying clothes. 



For the books and instruments little could be done until the weather improved, 

 although as much as possible was attempted with the theodolite and chronometer. 

 Unfortunately the means as well as the skill was lacking, and the chronometer could not 

 be saved, neither could the small theodolite, being too complicated for us to take apart. 

 The other instruments were eventually made serviceable, although the cases of most of 

 them came to pieces, and one or two small instruments were lost altogether. 



Although she was hauled up as far as possible, the big surf still bumped the 'Alert' 

 very considerably and the total damage, most of which was done when driving over the 

 rocks below low- water mark, was considerable. The rudder and rudder-post were both 

 carried away, a large hole was made in the bilge on both sides, and the keel was 

 " chewed up ". The propeller did not touch, I think, and the shaft was only very slightly 

 bent through straining of the hull. The only damage to the engine was the spoiling of 

 the magneto by water. The most important loss was that of a small note-book con- 

 taining much work, some of which had not as yet been taken to a further stage. When 



