SHIP’S TERRIFIC BATTLE.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LIX, Issue 47, 24 January 1939, Page 7

SHIP’S TERRIFIC BATTLE.

IN HEAVY PACK ICE

MR ELLSWORTH’S REPORT

NEW YORK, Jan. 23. A message copyright to the North American Newspaper Alliance received from the explorer, Mr Lincoln Ellsworth, aboard the Wyatt Earp, says: “Affer a terrific battle in heavy pack ice we have broken through, and arc now ploughing toward Hobart through a grey fog-laden sea. For five days, foot by foot, wc have rammed, jammed, backed and turned through more than 150 miles of ice. “Mr Liavaag, chief officer, who crushed his knee last Monday, is comfortable, and there are no complications, but an operation at Hobart is urgently necessary.”

A copyright message from Mr Ellsworth published on January 17 stated:—“Heavy pack icc is delaying a dash which wo are making to Australia for medical aid. A series of misfortunes followed a flight made on January 11. A strong easterly gale smashed up the ice in the bay and drifting icebergs compelled us to retreat hastily from the bay. Two days later a section of an iceberg on which men were chipping ice for the freshwater tanks broke, throwing them into the water. The chief officer (Mr Liavaag) wa.s caught between two sections, and one of his knees was badly crushed, but- he succeeded in grasping the edge of the floe and holding on till he was reached. The setting of a broken kneecap is a hospital oporation, so I decided to seek the nearest port immediately. We then ran into one of flic most lumpy seas in my experience. The bridge was stove in and other damage done. Now we are held firm. Without interference wo should reach nort in three weeks, but it is imnossible to say how long the icc will delay us.”