The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1894-08-08
PERILS OF THE ICE.
Wellman's Steamer Crushed as
If 1t Were a Matchbox
WHILE THE MEN WE'RE AT DINNER
The Chief sets ous for the Pole and
Those who Eesarn Escape
After Much Suffering.

Tsoxsox, Norway. Aug. Capt. Bot
toifsen. who brought 20 this place the
news Of the loss Of the Wsliman polar ex-
pedition steamer Ragnsvaid-Jsrl. further
details in an interview the adventures OF
the WeIlman party. lie says the expedl-
tIon reached Walden Island on May ii,
when the pack ice was oecom-
ing troublesome. Mr.. Wellman
and his party started north0 on sieds
on May "a. On May y the screSing
Of the ice commsncsd ia earnest Near the
steamer were ieebergs which lowered as
high a the yardarns Of the vessels nssts-
While the crew were drinking their alter
noon coffee on that day the steamer was
suddenly crushed by the ice as II Is were
matchbox. The water rushed IN with
terrific force. and IN few minutes the yes
sei va. complste wreck. The crew in
the meantime had escaped 20 the shore
The men had been occupied for several
DAYS previous IN bringing provisions
and the aluminium boats ashore. They
were nov obliged 10 take shelter
in the great dog kennel until they
were able 10 get away from the
yreckags. Through o hole which had
been made in the side Of the wrecked yes
sci the party were enabled TO save guam
titv of coal and other useful articles. An
express party was sent after Mr. Weilman
and overlook him and his companions at
Marisns islands.
Mr.. Wcllmam, Doggett and others re-
turned 70 Walden island and held coun-
ell. Capt. BottoEfsen and a sailor voiun-
teered 20 20 and seek for sealing stations
20 the south ward.
Mr.. Wellman resumed his journey to
the no-shward on May 81, but Bottoifsen
and his party we're nnsble TO start on their
trip on account Of pack ice. and we're de-
tanned on the island until June 3, when
sando. Ivoson. Winship and Heyendahl
returned from Dir. Nsllman, owing 10 iack
OF provisions and % troubles in regard 90
,ce and water, with the dogs ana mails
from Wellrnan. On June ~. Bottolfsen
and his party started southwark in search
OF sealers, hauling behind them 22-foot
aluminium boat. They passed four terri
bic weeks OF snow ans heavy ice. some
times hauling their boat, and sailing or
rowing where there was open water.
In this way they travelled go
miles along the spitzbergen islands. They
were compelled TO throw away nearly AL
their extra clothing aud much of their
equi pment, as the boat vas overloaded.
The passage across Henlopen strait was
difficult and dangerous. All the party
were vet to the skin. aud. the cold being
intense, their sufferings were most severe.
On July IS they tried 10 cross Window
bay, but were obliged TO return. owing TO
the fog aud ice They made another start
on the 18Th. but the ice proved too dense,
and they we're obliged TO abandon the gig
and proceed, hauling the aluminium
boat. Seven Norwegian sailors were
seen east of Morse, but failed TO respond
TO the party's signals. AZ Morse bay they
found Nordensk jold's hut. where q pro-
vision depot was maintained by'a Tromsoe
skipper named Soco AEON. The party had
10 take their boat around Welcome point.
On July - they were taken aboard
the steamer Maligen. Capt. Peterson.
Heyendahl was landed at Danes isiandoto
join Prof. Oyeu, who Was we'll, but still
declined 60 leave the island.
Capt. Bottolfsen says that during the
journey along the coast his party was
able to shoot a few polar bears
and RENDERS. lie said Capt Peder-
Capt. Bottolfsen Is high in his
praise OF aluminium boats. lie says Sando
aud his companions left Wellnlan on June
IL SIX miles east OF Cape Platte on his way
Co Rober island. All his party were
well. lie says IL is probable the
two mates. two engineers, 4 stoker aud q
cook who were left at Walden island will
be rescued by sealess as soon as the ice
and weather become favorable enough for
them TO proceed eastward