Home > Animals > Birds > Columbiformes > Pigeons > Snow Pigeon
The search for the 1897 Andree expedition to the North Pole
Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Heritage Images
The search for the 1897 Andree expedition to the North Pole
The search for the 1897 Andree expedition to the North Pole. In 1897 a Swedish explorer named Salomon Andree made an attempt to reach the North Pole by balloon. Together with two colleagues, Dr Nils Strindberg and Knut Fraenkel, he took off from Spitzbergen, but the balloon was forced down onto the ice by the weight of ice accumulating on the outside of the balloon in a freezing fog. Rescue attempts failed to find the missing explorers, whose bodies were not located until 1930. Theories as to how they died include exposure, the effects of eating infected polar bear meat, or carbon monoxide poisoning from a faulty stove. Here the captain of the whaler Thistle is being shown the body of one of the carrier pigeons Andree had taken with him
Heritage Images features heritage image collections
Media ID 14841051
© Ann Ronan Picture Library / Heritage-Images
Aeronautics Andree Arctic Ballooning Carrier Pigeon Eskimo Exploration Inuit Pigeon Pointing Salomon Search Party Searching Sled Sledge Ann Ronan Pictures
FEATURES IN THESE COLLECTIONS
> Animals
> Birds
> Columbiformes
> Pigeons
> Snow Pigeon
> Animals
> Mammals
> Polar Bear
> Animals
> Mammals
> Ursidae
> Polar Bear
> Animals
> Wild
> Bears
> Polar Bear
EDITORS COMMENTS
This print captures a pivotal moment in the search for the ill-fated 1897 Andree expedition to the North Pole. Swedish explorer Salomon Andree, accompanied by Dr Nils Strindberg and Knut Fraenkel, embarked on a daring journey to reach the elusive pole by balloon. However, their ambitious plans were thwarted when their balloon was forced down onto the icy terrain of Spitzbergen due to accumulating ice and freezing fog. In this poignant image, we witness an emotional scene as the captain of the whaler Thistle is shown one of the carrier pigeons that Andree had taken with him on his ill-fated adventure. The significance of these birds cannot be understated, as they were intended to carry messages back home and serve as a lifeline between the explorers and civilization. The discovery of this pigeon serves as a grim reminder of both hope and tragedy. Despite numerous rescue attempts at locating Andree's team, it would not be until 1930 that their bodies were finally found. Theories surrounding their demise include exposure to harsh Arctic conditions, consumption of infected polar bear meat, or carbon monoxide poisoning from a faulty stove. This haunting image transports us back to an era defined by exploration and bravery in pursuit of unknown frontiers. It encapsulates both the triumphs and perils faced by early adventurers who dared to challenge nature's untamed forces in their quest for knowledge and discovery.
MADE IN THE UK
Safe Shipping with 30 Day Money Back Guarantee
FREE PERSONALISATION*
We are proud to offer a range of customisation features including Personalised Captions, Color Filters and Picture Zoom Tools
SECURE PAYMENTS
We happily accept a wide range of payment options so you can pay for the things you need in the way that is most convenient for you
* Options may vary by product and licensing agreement. Zoomed Pictures can be adjusted in the Basket.
