The Submarine That Defied the Arctic Ice
In 1931, amidst the bone-chilling waters of the Arctic Ocean, a daring explorer and his crew attempted an audacious feat—reaching the North Pole not by land or air but beneath the thick, icy sheets of the Arctic. This was the dream of Sir Hubert Wilkins, an Australian adventurer whose name would be forever etched in the annals of polar exploration.
A Visionary Dream
Wilkins was no stranger to danger. By the late 1920s, explorers had already attempted to conquer the North Pole by land and air, but no one had dared to traverse the uncharted waters beneath its frozen surface. Wilkins envisioned a submarine journey under the Arctic ice that would culminate with his crew drilling through the ice to emerge victoriously at the North Pole—a feat no human had ever attempted.
The Nautilus: A Submarine Born of War
For this expedition, Wilkins repurposed a First World War-era submarine, the Nautilus. Though antiquated, the vessel was extensively modified for the harsh Arctic conditions. Engineers reinforced its hull with steel and concrete, installed hydraulic cylinders to absorb impacts, and fitted sled runners for smooth movement beneath the ice.
Despite these upgrades, the submarine was far from reliable. Its engine frequently failed, and critical systems malfunctioned. Yet, Wilkins remained undeterred, driven by the potential scientific discoveries and the chance to make history.
Funding the Impossible
Financing such a monumental expedition was no small feat. Wilkins partnered with William Randolph Hearst, a powerful media mogul who provided funding in exchange for exclusive rights to the mission's updates. The partnership added pressure—Wilkins not only had to complete the mission but also meet Hearst's demand for sensational news coverage.
A Journey Fraught with Challenges
The expedition officially began on March 16, 1931, with a crew of 19 aboard the Nautilus. The challenges started almost immediately. Mechanical failures forced the submarine to return to port for extensive repairs. Months later, when the journey resumed, the crew faced fierce North Atlantic storms, claustrophobic living conditions, and freezing temperatures inside the unheated submarine.
As they pushed into the Arctic Circle, the situation grew increasingly dire. One of the submarine’s engines failed, leaving the vessel perilously dependent on its remaining engine. At one point, the Nautilus drifted helplessly, its batteries depleted and engines inoperative.
Tensions Among the Crew
The crew's morale plummeted as the voyage dragged on. Cramped quarters, frigid conditions, and constant mechanical issues sparked conflict. Rumors even swirled that a disgruntled crew member sabotaged the submarine by damaging its crucial diving rudder, though this was never proven.
The Final Stretch
Despite these setbacks, the Nautilus managed to venture further beneath the Arctic ice than any submarine before it. At one point, the crew attempted to drill through the ice to test the equipment essential for their mission’s success. The drill, however, proved inadequate, failing to pierce the thick ice.
Realizing the futility of continuing under such conditions, Wilkins made the heartbreaking decision to abandon the mission. On September 6, 1931, the Nautilus emerged from beneath the Arctic ice, marking the end of its journey.
A Legacy of Courage and Innovation
Though Wilkins’ expedition failed to reach the North Pole, it was far from a failure. The mission provided invaluable scientific data about Arctic waters, discovered a warm ocean layer beneath the ice, and set a precedent for future polar exploration.
In 1958, the United States Navy honored Wilkins’ dream by naming its nuclear-powered submarine, the USS Nautilus. This modern vessel succeeded in reaching the North Pole beneath the ice, fulfilling the vision Wilkins had pursued nearly three decades earlier.
Conclusion
Sir Hubert Wilkins’ submarine expedition to the North Pole remains a testament to human courage and determination. Despite insurmountable odds, Wilkins and his crew ventured into uncharted territory, proving that the spirit of exploration knows no bounds. Their story inspires adventurers and dreamers to this day, reminding us that even in failure, history is made.