Public domain image provided by National Library of New Zealand

Garthsnaid

Somewhere between Chile and Mozambique, the ship "Garthsnaid" is sailing through stormy waters. Unidentified sailors are trying to secure a section of the sail which had come free in heavy weather.

Close up of the sailors

Often these young men fell, either into the sea or onto the deck. Both resulted in death, but landing on the deck was preferable as it was more immediate; if they fell into the sea, the ship would sail on, and they would be left behind in the cold icy waters.

The photo was taken between April and July by acting second mate Alexander Harper Turner.