BEAR OF OAKLAND GOES SOUTH
Departure For Ice Barrier
START OF FINAL PHASE OF BYRD EXPEDITION
Dominion Special Service.
Dunedin, January 2.
The final phase of tbe Byrd expedition was commenced to-day when the Bear of Oakland left Dunedin for the Bay of AVhales to pick up Rear-Admiral Byrd and members of the expedition and bring them' back to civilisation. To the accompaniment of blasts from the sirens of both expedition vessels, the Bear of Oakland headed down the channel, taking what may be her final departure from Dunedin in view of the possibility of her returning to America via Valparaiso. The Bear of Oakland was ready for sea a week ago, but her departure was delayed owing to the fact that spare parts for tractors were reported to have arrived at Auckland from America. These did not come to hand as expected, however, and in accordance with instructions received by Captain R. A. J. English early this morning from Rear-Admiral Byrd, the crew was notified that the ship had to sail to-day. Prior to the departure of the vessel between 300 and 400 persons were on the wharf, many of them intimate friends of the crew, and they gave the adventurers n hearty send-off. About an hour later she was almost clear of the heads, with sails set, and moving south toward the barrier and her destination.
Captain English stated before the Bear of Oakland sailed that it was hoped to reach the ice pack In about a week’s time. The ship’s progress thereafter would depend entirely on the state of the ice, but if the ice was breaking up the ship should reach the barrier in two weeks.
The Jacob Ruppert would leave Dunedin on January 12, and if the ice was found to be impenetrable tbe Bear of Oakland would transport RearAdmiral Byrd, his. men, and the equipment, with the exception of the aeroplanes and tractors, to the Jacob Ruppert on tbe outer fringe of the ice pack. If, on the other hand, it was a favourable year for the ice, the Jacob Ruppert would steam through to the Bartier and load all the equipment, stores and personnel, and return to Dunedin before sailing finally for the United States. * In the event of the Jacob Ruppert negotiating the ice Rear-Admiral Byrd would probably send the Bear of Oakland on a voyage of exploration eastward of the Bay of AVhales. If this schedule were followed the Bear of Oakland would eventually proceed to Valparaiso, and then return to New York. The JacQb Ruppert would bring back the New Zealanders included in the crews of both ships. There are eight New Zealanders in the crew of tbe Bear of Oakland.
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Dominion, Volume 28, Issue 84, 3 January 1935, Page 9
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451BEAR OF OAKLAND GOES SOUTH Dominion, Volume 28, Issue 84, 3 January 1935, Page 9
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