Bernsten), whom I knew of old, and the other
members of the little community. Moored in the harbour was one of the
largest of the whalers, the 'Southern Sky', owned by an English company
but now laid up for the winter. I had no means of getting into
communication with the owners without dangerous delay, and on my
accepting all responsibility Mr. Bernsten made arrangements for me to
take this ship down to Elephant Island. I wrote out an agreement with
Lloyd's for the insurance of the ship. Captain Thom, an old friend of
the Expedition, happened to be in Husvik with his ship, the 'Orwell',
loading oil for use in Britain's munition works, and he at once
volunteered to come with us in any capacity. I asked him to come as
captain of the 'Southern Sky'. There was no difficulty about getting
a crew. The whalers were eager to assist in the rescue of men in
distress. They started work that Sunday to prepare and stow the ship.
Parts of the engines were ashore, but willing hands made light labour.
I purchased from the station stores all the stores and equipment
required, including special comforts for the men we hoped to rescue,
and by Tuesday morning the 'Southern Sky' was ready to sail. I feel it
is my duty as well as my pleasure to thank here the Norwegian whalers
of South Georgia for the sympathetic hands they stretched out to us in
our need.
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