25 



Tail of the Banks. The berg was sighted shortly before nightfall, 

 and the vessel was hove to near by it upon coming up with it. On 

 June 9 experiments were carried out with mines and stations Nos. 

 50 and 51 were occupied. Both stations indicated warm water on 

 the surface with a trace of Arctic water at the bottom. From June 

 10 to 15 the vessel stood by the large berg experimenting with mines 

 and 6-pounder gunfire. Station No. 52 was taken on June 11 and 

 station No. 53 on June 12. Both stations indicated very warm water. 

 On June 15 and 16 the area between latitude 41° 30' and latitude 

 43° 30' and longitude 47° 00' and longitude 50° 30' was searched 

 and found free of ice except for one small berg in latitude 42° 39' N., 

 longitude 49° 31' W., and the large one noted above. On June 15 

 stations Nos. 54 and 55 were taken, but no Arctic water was found. 



The large berg, No. 14, was trailed between June 17 and 22. On 

 the evening of June 19 the vessel encountered a southerly gale, and 

 the berg was lost sight of. The berg was searched for, allowing the 

 regular drift, but was not found until 1.05 p. m. June 20, when it 

 was discovered well to the northward of the first position. It had 

 been carried due north by the south gale. As the vessel approached 

 the ice the seas could be seen striking the berg with such force as to 

 throw the spray over 100 feet high. The berg was badly battered 

 and reduced in size, with many dangerous growlers floating around. 



On the morning of June 22 station No. 56 was taken, showing warm 

 water throughout. In the evening of the same day a dense fog was 

 encountered. 



At 4.50 a. m. (patrol time) June 23, the patrol ship was advised 

 by radio from the steamer Saugus that she was aground on the berg 

 that the patrol vessel was watching. It was estimated that the 

 distance was about 4 miles. Dense fog prevailed. A radio bearing of 

 the Saugus was obtained, and the patrol ship put on a course for the 

 stranded steamer. Shortly after starting the vessel was advised that 

 the Saugus had backed clear of the berg without damage, and was 

 proceeding without need of assistance. Unable to obtain details of 

 the mishap, it was concluded that the steamer had run in on the flat 

 part of the dry-dock structure of this burg, thereby avoiding a colli- 

 sion with the abrupt sides of it. If the Saugus had communicated her 

 position and course during the night, she could have been advised, 

 and the accident probably avoided. The position of the berg, lati- 

 tude 42° 20' N., longitude 48° 13' W., and the fact that the Modoc 

 was lying near it, were communicated in the regular broadcast of the 

 preceding evening. The berg's position was accurately located three 

 times on June 22, 8 a. m., noon, and 4.30 p. m. by intersection of lines. 

 The tendency at noon had been south and west. The normal set 

 and drift was applied to the 4 p. m. sight when it was noted that the 

 set to the southward and westward had stopped. At 4 p. m. the 



