Читать книгу Polar Exploration. A practical handbook for North and South Pole expeditions онлайн

29 страница из 66

In October 1908 explorers Ernest Shackleton, Frank Wild, Eric Marshall and Jameson Adams attempted to reach the South Pole. Within 30 days they had surpassed Scott's effort of 1903. Within 97 nautical miles of their goal the group were severely ill and undernourished, and so had to abandon their attempt on the pole.

The story of Amundsen and Scott's heroic race to the pole still fascinates today – and both men are commemorated at the South Pole

The victor of the race for the South Pole was Norwegian Roald Amundsen and his four team members. They reached the South Pole on 14 December 1911. Amundsen discovered a new route which took only 57 days. Letters were left for Scott, a Norwegian flag was planted, then they returned to the Bay of Whales.

On 18 January 1912 Robert F Scott, Edward Wilson, Edgar Evans, Henry Bowers and Lawrence Oates reached the South Pole. Unfortunately, Amundsen has beaten them to it. Terribly discouraged after a tortuous journey, all members perished on the return trip. Scott, Wilson and Bowers died in their tent after using up all fuel and food. The three were not discovered until November.