21 



made it possible to check them as they moved from one area to 

 another. The forty-fifth parallel and track "E" were seriously 

 menaced by the ice. 



It is thought advisable to mention that a number of steamers con- 

 tinued to cross the Banks on the assigned track "E" in spite of the 

 many bergs which menaced this track, reported in the regular and 

 special broadcasts as well as in indivdual messages to the crossing 

 steamers. A number had reported sighting bergs on this track at 

 night and in dense fog. The danger in this procedure was apparent. 

 One notable case, which nearly ended in disaster, may be described 

 here: The weather was exceedingly foggy and had been for two days. 

 The patrol vessel had received from a steamer water-temperature, 

 course, and position reports. The position and course were plotted 

 and it was found that the steamer would, during the night, be in the 

 vicinity of seven bergs. This danger was made known to the steamer 

 by radio. At 6.30 a. m. the patrol vessel received the following 

 message : 



9.30 G. M. T. by account in latitude 47° 10' N., longitude 49° 35' W., dense fog. 

 See through fog berg close aboard. Could not approximate size or if any more 

 near. Temperature air 33°, sea 36°. Stopped. 



The vessel was again cautioned and given the location of the 

 remaining ice and advised to heave to or proceed very slowly. At 

 noon it cleared and the steamer proceeded on her course and reported 

 two more bergs shortl}^ thereafter. The master was very grateful 

 for the information. 



RESUME OF BERG DRIFT 



Berg observed and reported 



May 14: Latitude 48° 08' N., longitude 47° 51' W.; again on May 18, latitude 

 47° 26' N., longitude 47° 30' W., 158° true, 0.4 knots. 



May 14: Latitude 48° 07' N., longitude 48° 17' W.; again on May 19, latitude 

 47° 30' N., longitude 47° 50' W., 156° true, 0.3 knots. 



May 16: Latitude 47° 34' N., longitude 47° 51' W.; again on May 19, latitude 

 46° 30' N., longitude 47° 16' W., 158° true, 0.6 knots. 



May 20: Latitude 48° 44' N., longitude 48° 28' W.; again on May 23, latitude 

 47° 56' N., longitude 47° 52' W., 157° true, 0.6 knots. 



FIFTH CRUISE, "TAMPA," MAY 23-JUNE 8 



The Tampa reheved the Modoc on May 23, The oceanographic 

 party was taken on board, the transfer being effected in a choppy 

 sea. The vessel steamed for the position of the two bergs last seen 

 by the Modoc, locating them at 1 p. m., May 24. While observing 

 the drift of these, four other bergs coming from the north joined the 

 two under observation and started their drift to the eastward. 

 The Tampa remained near the ice until May 29. On May 25, 27, and 

 28 sonic experiments were carried out upon the bergs, in 1,800 



