38. Point Wild

38.Point Wild

61º06´00´´S, 54º52´00´´W

the North Coast of Elephant Island

Latest Revision: 2016

Key Features

- Narrow rocky and gravel point
- Chinstrap penguin colony, mosses & lichens
- Site of Sir Ernest Shackleton’s shipwrecked Endurance expedition that camped on the point for four months until rescued in August 1916 by the Chilean Naval vessel Yelcho
- Location of HSM 53 Bust of Captain Luis Alberto Pardo, monolith and plaques commemorating the rescue of Shackleton’s men
- Frequently grounded icebergs

Description

TOPOGRAPHY

A small, low lying, narrow, sand and rock point, rising to a small rock outcrop at the northerly end. Steep tidewater glaciers and cliffs fringe the point. Large icebergs often ground on off shore pinnacles.

FAUNA

Confirmed breeders: Antarctic tern, chinstrap Penguin, Kelp gull.

Present late in the season: Cetaceans, Finback whale, Humpback Whale.

Regularly haul out: Antarctic fur seal.

Seen near-shore: Leopard seal, Weddell seal.

Seen off-shore: Cetaceans, Finback whale, Humpback Whale.

Suspected Breeders: Snowy sheathbill, Wilson’s storm-petrel.

FLORA

Small patches of bearded and crustose lichen species including Xanthoria spp., Buellia spp., Caloplaca spp., Usnea spp.

OTHER

The site is the location where the crew of Sir Ernest Shackleton’s shipwrecked Endurance expedition camped for four months until rescued in August 1916 by the Chilean Naval vessel Yelcho, commanded by Captain Luis Alberto Pardo. It is the location of HSM 53 which consists of a Bust of Captain Pardo, a monolith and plaques celebrating his rescue of Shackleton’s men.

Visitor Impact

KNOWN IMPACTS

None known.

POTENTIAL IMPACTS

Disturbance to wildlife and damage to historic artefacts.

Landing Requirements

SHIPS*

Max pax on board: 500
Ships per day: 2
Comments: * A ship is defined as a vessel which carries more than 12 passengers.

VISITORS

Curfew time period (from/to), in order to establish a rest period for wildlife: 22:00-04:00
Comments: No more than 30 visitors at any time, exclusive of expedition guides and leaders. However, this is principally a small boat cruising site with occasional opportunistic landings at low tide.
If landing, see Landing Area guidance below.

Visitor Area

LANDING AREA

Landings are often prohibited by the local conditions, and need to be considered on an opportunistic basis, usually with no more than one small boat at a time, depending on sea state, weather conditions and presence of wildlife.

CLOSED AREA

None.

GUIDED WALKING AREA

If setting foot ashore this should be done in small, closely guided groups (of up to 15 visitors) avoiding disturbing any wildlife present.

FREE ROAMING AREA

None.

Visitor code of conduct

BEHAVIOUR ASHORE

All visits are to be conducted in accordance with the General Guidelines for Visitors to the Antarctic.
Artefacts should not be handled or removed from the site. Do not sit on chairs or other furniture, or lay objects down on tables or work surfaces.
If an historic artifact is found, draw it to the attention of a guide: do not disturb or remove it.

Comments:

The rock outcrop at the southern part of the point, and the isthmus accessible at low tide connecting the point to the main island.

CAUTIONARY NOTES

Small boat drivers should be aware of submerged rocks and foul waters surrounding the point, in particular to the north and along the eastern shores.
Be aware that glacier or iceberg calving may produce dangerous waves.

38. Point Wild

This content is not available

Section only available to Meeting Report Contributors

This section is not available

Restricted Section

Log In