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

The script begins with the Arctic's enigmatic status in the early 20th century, highlighting the perilous expeditions that sought to be the first to reach the North Pole. The narrative then shifts to the advent of air travel with Roald Amundsen's successful airship journey to the pole in 1926. It introduces Hubert Wilkins, an Australian explorer with a passion for understanding weather and climate, who aims to make history by reaching the North Pole in a submarine.

This paragraph details Hubert Wilkins' ambitious plan to reach the North Pole via a submarine,改装自第一次世界大战的潜艇，并将其装备成北极研究的实验室。 Wilkins' scientific aim was to collect data to improve weather forecasts in Europe. The narrative also mentions his meeting with Suzanne Bennett and his subsequent marriage, as well as the financial backing he received from newspaper mogul R. O. Hurst, contingent upon a successful rendezvous with a Zeppelin at the North Pole.

The script describes the modifications made to the submarine, named Nautilus, in preparation for the extreme Arctic conditions. These included building a wooden superstructure with skids, a shock absorber at the bow, and a special ice borer for emergencies. Despite initial setbacks, such as the ice borer getting stuck during a test, Wilkins was eager to commence the expedition before the onset of Arctic winter.

The journey of the Nautilus and her crew is fraught with difficulties. After departing New York, the submarine faces a violent storm in the Atlantic, leading to engine failure and a distress call to the USS Wyoming. The crew's morale is divided between continuing the expedition and abandoning it. Upon reaching Plymouth, further repairs are needed, causing further delays.

Despite the hardships, Wilkins and his crew continue their scientific research, including measuring gravity to determine the Earth's shape and studying marine life in the Arctic depths. As they approach the North Pole, the conditions on board worsen, with freezing temperatures and the risk of the submarine's water pipes freezing. Yet, the team persists with their work, uncovering valuable insights into the Arctic's ecological and physical characteristics.

The script recounts the Nautilus' historic dive under the Arctic ice cap, a first for any submarine. The crew discovers that conditions under the ice are lighter than expected, but the dive also damages the radio aerial, cutting them off from the world. Despite the challenges, Wilkins is determined to continue the mission, demonstrating the potential of submarines in polar exploration.

With the radio aerial damaged, the Nautilus is unable to communicate with the outside world, leading to concerns for their safety back home. Wilkins and his crew struggle to find proof of their under-ice journey, filming their dives and using a nanson bottle to collect crucial oceanographic data. The expedition's backer, Randolph Hurst, urges them to return, and funding is halted, posing a financial crisis for Wilkins.

The Nautilus' research uncovers the existence of a branch of the Gulf Stream extending into the Arctic, which influences Europe's mild climate. This discovery is significant for understanding global climate systems. Despite the valuable data collected, Wilkins is forced to abandon his dream of reaching the North Pole due to the submarine's deteriorating condition after a storm.

The Nautilus is eventually ordered to be sunk off the Norwegian coast by the US Navy, marking the end of its voyage. Wilkins returns to America with his dream unfulfilled, but his expedition's legacy lives on in the scientific data collected. The narrative then leaps forward to the launch of a new nuclear-powered submarine, also named Nautilus, capable of fulfilling Wilkins' dream of diving long distances under the ice.

Modern scientists using a submersible attempt to locate and study the remains of Wilkins' Nautilus on the ocean floor. They hope to uncover the reason for the expedition's abrupt end and investigate the theory of sabotage. The search is hindered by the submarine's depth rating and the challenging underwater conditions, but the team is determined to solve the mystery.

The script concludes with a tribute to Sir Hubert Wilkins' pioneering efforts in Arctic exploration. Despite the setbacks and the loss of the original Nautilus, his work has contributed significantly to our understanding of the Arctic region. The narrative reflects on Wilkins' unwavering dream of reaching the North Pole and his lasting influence on future generations of explorers and scientists.