James Fenton

The Weddell Sea: an Antarctic Adventure James Fenton

Following the footsteps of many polar explorers, the small expedition cruise ship ?Isis? heads south with a mixed group of passengers keen to see Antarctica for themselves. After leaving Cape Horn behind they have to cross the fearsome Drake Passage. This lives up to its reputation, with the wind picking up and the ship sustaining what appears to be minor damage during a storm. However the episode is soon forgotten when the ?Isis? reaches the Antarctic and the passengers enjoy the spectacular scenery and wildlife. Penguins, seals and whales are all observed in glorious weather and a great feeling of contentment permeates the ship. Things are going so well that the fateful decision is taken to enter the Weddell Sea, the area where Sir Ernest Shackleton?s ship the ?Endurance? foundered in the ice. With modern ice-strengthened ships and satellite technology such a fate nowadays is unthinkable?