URGENT UPDATE: Norwegian explorer Roald Amundsen has made history by becoming the first person to reach the South Pole on December 14, 1911, in a dramatic race against British rival Robert Falcon Scott.
This monumental achievement was marked at 3 p.m. local time, when Amundsen and his crew planted the Norwegian flag after an arduous journey through the harsh Antarctic landscape. This victory not only completed the challenge of exploring the last uncharted continent but also came with a tragic twist: Scott and his crew perished just 35 days later on their return journey.
The race to the South Pole began in 1910, igniting fierce competition between Amundsen and Scott, who had previously attempted an expedition in 1902 but turned back due to ill health and severe weather conditions. Amundsen kept his plans secret until he reached Madeira in September, notifying Scott of his intentions via telegram.
Amundsen’s base camp, Framheim, was strategically located just 60 miles (100 kilometers) from the South Pole, giving him a crucial advantage over Scott’s base at McMurdo Sound.
On October 21, Amundsen and a team of five set off with sleds pulled by 13 dogs each, meticulously planned to navigate the icy terrain. Their success can be attributed to several factors, including a shorter route over the Axel Glacier and the innovative use of traditional Inuit clothing, which provided better warmth than Scott’s woolen garments.
Tragically, Scott’s team encountered catastrophic conditions, leading to starvation and dehydration. In his last journal entry dated March 29, 1912, Scott expressed despair, stating, “We shall stick it out to the end… but we are getting weaker, of course.” Their bodies were later discovered just 11 miles (17 km) from a supply cache.
Recent analysis suggests that Scott’s failure may not have been solely due to ineptitude but was heavily impacted by extreme weather and potential crew mismanagement. Some accounts indicate crew member Edward Evans may have hoarded supplies, contributing to the tragic outcome.
In stark contrast, Amundsen’s crew thrived, supplementing their diet with sled dogs and raw penguin meat, which provided essential vitamin C, crucial for combating scurvy.
With Amundsen’s victory, the world witnessed the triumph of human spirit and exploration, but it also served as a grave reminder of the risks involved in such daring adventures. Today, December 14 will forever be remembered not just for Amundsen’s success but also for the lessons learned from the tragic fate of Scott and his crew.
As we commemorate this pivotal moment in exploration history, the South Pole now hosts the Amundsen-Scott South Pole Station, dedicated to scientific research and discovery, a testament to the unyielding human quest for knowledge.
Stay tuned for more updates on this story as we reflect on the legacies of these extraordinary explorers.
