SERIES OF MISHAPS

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXXII, 17 January 1939, Page 5

SERIES OF MISHAPS

ELLSWORTH EXPEDITION CHIEF OFFICER INJURED DASH TO AUSTRALIA FOR MEDICAL AID DELAYED [U.P.A.—By Electric Telegraph-Copyrlghtl MONTREAL, 16th January. A North American Newspaper Alliance copyright message from Mr Lincoln Ellsworth says: “Heavy pack-ice is delaying the dash to Australia for medical aid. A series of misfortunes followed a flight on 11th January. A strong easterly smashed up bay ice and drifting icebergs compelled us hastily to retreat from the bay. Two days later a section of a berg whereon three men were chipping ice for freshwater tanks broke, throwing them into the water. Chief officer Liavaag was caught between two sections and his knee badly crushed, but succeeded in grasping the edge of the floe, holding on till he was reached. The setting of a broken kneecap is. a hospital operation, so I decided to seek the nearest port immediately. We then ran into one of the lumpiest seas in my experience. The 1 bridge was stove in and other damage done. Now we are held firm. Without interference we should reach port in three weeks, but it is impossible to say how long the ice will delay us.”