Great Failure

In the early 1900s, many people explored new lands. Ernest Shackleton was one of them. He headed for Antarctica with a team of 28 men in August 1914. On January 20, 1915, Shackleton’s team was crossing the sea near Antarctica. Suddenly, the ship hit thick ice and got stuck. The men had to wait until the winter passed.

Shackleton’s Diary

October 28th, 1915 Nine long months passed and the ice started melting. But, the ice broke the ship into pieces. The ship started sinking. I ordered my men, “Give up the ship. She’s going down!”

November 21st, 1915 The ship has sunk under the water today. We lost our home and we had to make a camp on the ice. All I can do is to keep strong for my men. My dream to go to Antarctica is broken, but I’ve set a new goal. I’ll make my men return home safely.

April 15th, 1916 I had my men get on the three lifeboats to go to Elephant Island. We got to the island today. It took us 7 days on the sea to get to the island. And after 497 days, we finally stood on land again. But, there is no help on this island. There is little food to eat and the weather is so cold.

April 24th, 1916 We can get help in South Georgia. The island is 1,300 kilometers away and a sea of death is in front of us. But I should do this for my men. I set out for South Georgia today.

Shackleton and five of his men fought against big waves and strong winds for 16 days. Finally, they made it to South Georgia. They got help from there and went back to Elephant Island. When the men on the island saw the ship, they all shouted for joy. Not a single life was lost! Everyone was saved.