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The Disastrous Attempt To Reach The North Pole In A WW1 Submarine | Frozen North | Timeline

Timeline - World History Documentaries・24 minutes read

Australian polar explorer Hubert Wilkins planned an Arctic expedition to reach the North Pole in a submarine named Nautilus, facing challenges and setbacks along the way, including missing hydroplanes and communication issues, but ultimately making scientific discoveries and becoming the first to dive under the Arctic ice cap. Wilkins perseveres despite financial ruin and the failure of the North Pole mission, focusing on scientific research and the discovery of a branch of the Gulf Stream in the Arctic.

Insights

  • Hubert Wilkins led an ambitious Arctic expedition in a submarine named Nautilus, facing numerous challenges such as technical malfunctions, harsh living conditions, and financial setbacks, but ultimately succeeded in diving under the Arctic ice cap.
  • Despite facing financial ruin and technical difficulties, Wilkins and his crew prioritized scientific research during the expedition, leading to discoveries such as a branch of the Gulf Stream in the Arctic, showcasing their dedication to advancing knowledge in challenging circumstances.

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Recent questions

  • How did Hubert Wilkins plan to reach the North Pole in 1931?

    Hubert Wilkins planned to reach the North Pole in 1931 using a submarine named Nautilus. His goal was to collect data for weather forecasts during the expedition.

  • What challenges did Wilkins face in preparing the submarine for Arctic exploration?

    Wilkins faced challenges in preparing the submarine for Arctic exploration, including designing an ice borer for emergencies and a hydraulic flap for safety. The submarine also encountered difficulties during sea trials, requiring repairs.

  • What living conditions did Wilkins and his crew endure aboard Nautilus?

    Wilkins and his crew endured freezing conditions aboard Nautilus, with frozen condensation, lack of heating, and close-to-freezing water pipes. Despite the harsh living conditions, they persevered with their research, studying creatures in the icy depths.

  • What rumors surrounded the expedition led by Hubert Wilkins?

    A crew rumor suggested sabotage, suspecting an engineer damaged the hydroplanes intentionally. Despite this, Wilkins remained determined to continue the mission to reach the North Pole.

  • What was the outcome of Wilkins' expedition to the Arctic?

    Despite facing setbacks, including financial ruin and communication loss, Nautilus successfully dove under the Arctic ice cap, becoming the first to do so. The expedition had to abandon the North Pole mission due to engine failure and bad weather, focusing instead on scientific research.

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Summary

00:00

Arctic Exploration: Challenges and Triumphs

  • The Arctic was a mystery at the start of the 20th century, with the possibility of undiscovered land under the ice.
  • Numerous expeditions attempted to reach the North Pole, with no success until 1926 when Norwegian R. Amundsen reached it in just 17 hours via airship.
  • Australian polar explorer Hubert Wilkins planned to reach the North Pole in a submarine in 1931, aiming to collect data for weather forecasts.
  • Wilkins' expedition garnered financial support from newspaper mogul R. Hurst and Walt Disney, with the submarine named Nautilus after Captain Nemo's vessel in "20,000 Leagues Under the Sea."
  • Wilkins faced challenges in preparing the submarine for Arctic exploration, including designing an ice borer for emergencies and a hydraulic flap for safety.
  • Nautilus faced difficulties during sea trials, with a test dive causing the submarine to dive below its maximum depth, requiring repairs.
  • The expedition faced setbacks during an Atlantic crossing, with Nautilus encountering a storm, engine failures, and crew seasickness, necessitating a tow to England.
  • Despite criticisms and delays, Wilkins defended his expedition in a book and continued towards the North Pole, facing further repairs and time constraints.
  • The crew faced freezing conditions aboard Nautilus, with frozen condensation, lack of heating, and close-to-freezing water pipes, enduring harsh living conditions.
  • Wilkins and his team persevered with their research, studying creatures in the icy depths, including jellyfish, aiming to make scientific discoveries despite challenging circumstances.

26:49

Sabotage Suspected, Nautilus Dives Under Arctic Ice

  • The two horizontal diving Rudders of Nautilus are missing, rendering it unfit to dive under the ice.
  • A crew rumor suggests sabotage, suspecting an engineer damaged the hydroplanes intentionally.
  • Despite missing hydroplanes, Sir Hubert is determined to continue the mission to reach the North Pole.
  • Nautilus successfully dives under the Arctic ice cap, becoming the first to do so.
  • The submarine loses communication with the world due to a damaged radio aerial.
  • Wilkins faces financial ruin as the expedition's backer withdraws funding.
  • The crew focuses on scientific research, discovering a branch of the Gulf Stream in the Arctic.
  • Nautilus returns after abandoning the North Pole mission due to engine failure and bad weather.
  • Scientists attempt to find evidence of sabotage on Nautilus but are unable to reach the rudder.
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