LOST EXPLORERS.

Colonist, Volume LV, Issue 13824, 22 September 1913, Page 2

LOST EXPLORERS.

Wireless messages from the North German Lloyd steamer Grosser Kurfuerst, while in Spitzbergen waters in July, gave rise to the hope that Lieutenant Schroeder-Stranz and his three companions, who have been lost in Spitzbergen since September, have been found living by the relief expedition which has been searching for them along the northern coast of the island. Their provisions could not have lasted so long, but it is possible that they subsisted on reindeer and other game, which is plentiful. The expedition started last summer, under Lieutenant Sohroeder-Stranz. His 60-ton vessel, the Herzog Ernst, was caught in the ice-jack in Wijde Bay, and was abandoned in September. The party set out on foot to cross Spitzbergen to Advent Bay, several hundred miles to the south. Captain Kitschel managed the journey, but the,majority turned back. Captain Ritschel suffered terrible hardships, and feared his comrades were lost. Belief expeditions were sent, and one was driven back by the bad weather. In May Captain Straxrud, leader of the Norwegian relief party, brought news of the death of four members of the expedition, who numbered 16 originally. Four were said to havo reached Advent Bay, and others wero reported safo in Treuernburg Bay. Those still missing are Liouten- .. ant Sehroedor-Stranz, Herr Sandleben, Dr. Meyer, and Herr Sclmiidt, and should it prove that they are now alive their return will rank among the most remarkable in Arctic exploration. The terrible- sufforings of tho party have already made the expedition famous.