SHIPWRECK OF THE BLENDEN HALL.

A Narrative of the Shipwreck of the BLENDEN HALL, Capt. Greig, bound from England to Bombay, which was lost off the Island Inaccessible at 10 A.M., on the 23d July 1821, in lat. 37° 29' S., and long. 11° 45' W. of Greenwich, with an Account of the Sufferings of the Passengers and Crew, by LIEUT. JOHN PEPPER, Hon. East-India Company's Bombay Marine.

      The Blenden Hall, Capt. Greig, for Bombay, left Gravesend on Sunday the 6th May 1821, with her complement of able seamen, and arrived in the Downs on the Tuesday following, where, she was detained by contrary winds until Friday, when she weighed anchor and proceeded as far as Dungeness. The wind veering to the westward and blowing extremely hard, obliged us to anchor under the point, where we were detained until the 18th, with several other vessels bound down channel. At seven A.M., an easterly wind springing up, we got under weigh and made all sail. On the 20th, the breeze continuing, at ten P.M., we passed the Lizard, distance about five leagues, and crossed the bay with a continuation of the gale. Saw a ship apparently waiting an opportunity to enter the channel. Passing the Madeiras in favorable weather, every one anticipated a good voyage. Continuing the usual course through the N. E. trade, we were overtaken by a ship which proved to be the Wellington, and which parted that evening, stating her intention of steering a south course. Two days after the Grenville spoke us, having left the Downs with the Wellington, but separated during the gale in crossing the Bay of Biscay. This ship being a superior sailor, also left us. A little to the north of the line, at day light, we saw a ship, distance six or seven miles. At eleven A.M. we sent a boat on board; she proved to be the Daphne bound to Madras, last from Madeira. This ship also left us. Getting into the S. E. trade winds, and crossing the line in 25° west longitude, we steered to the south and westward; but owing to the trade hanging far southerly for the first week, we found ourselves making considerably to the westward. On reaching 35° south latitude, the wind coming from the north and westward, we hauled to the S. E., continuing to the 22d July, when in lat. 35° 20' S., and long. 15° 11' west per chronometer, at noon we steered on with the intention of making Tristan de Acunha to ascertain its accuracy. On the 23d at daylight, when in expectation of seeing the land to leeward, we found the atmosphere too thick to discover any object. Pursuing our course under the uncertainty of the snip's true situation with respect to her distance from the island, we suddenly, at ten A.M., discovered sea-weed and other indications of being near land. Orders were immediately issued to reduce sail: when going aloft for that purpose, heavy breakers were discovered on the starboard bow, and every exertion was made to bring the ship on the wind: this however proved ineffectual, in consequence of its suddenly dying away and becoming light, and the rudder getting entangled with sea-weed. The ship now not answering her helm, and there being a probability of her clearing the breakers on the other tack, we endeavoured to boxhaul her, but the wind constantly shifting, our attempts were in vain. Five minutes after, she unfortunately struck on the reef off the N. W. of the island, and holed herself, hanging on the forebody, which caused her to beat hard on the sternpost, which was carried away; then catching the midships with a heavy sea she broke her back. Previously to this we succeeded in getting out the jolly boat and small cutter, in which the crews made the best of their way to the shore, leaving behind the captain, passengers, and several of the ship's company, who were then endeavouring to get out the long boat. After starting her from the chocks, she was unfortunately stove by the violence of the sea breaking on board. In attempting this, two of the seamen were washed overboard; but by the assistance of ropes, &c. were got on board again without injury. In the interim the poop fell in, and was in part washed away. It was then thought necessary to cut away the masts, in order to prevent the ship labouring so much, and to protect the crew from being carried off by the force of the waves.

      The ship having. heeled on the starboard side, exposed us to the fury of the sea; by this time it was evident the ship must part by the mainmast. It then became necessary to get the ladies and all hands forward on the larboard side of the forecastle; and while we were accomplishing this the ship parted, as expected. Capt. Greig then suggested the expediency of getting a hauling line on shore, which met the concurrence of other professional persons on board. Mr. Summers, the second officer, with the most praiseworthy intrepidity, undertook this hazardous service, but owing to the heavy sea, and the running strong to the eastward, he did not succeed, and it was with great difficulty that he regained the ship.

      The crews in the boats had by this time reached the shore. The fog clearing off, presented to us our awful situation, being about half a mile from the beach.

      The effect on our minds was truly indescribable. Disappointed in our hope of getting a line on shore, some of the passengers and crew determined to risk the venture of swimming; among whom were Messrs. Giberne, Law, and McTavish: the two latter must have perished, but for the assistance of those who had previously succeeded in landing. One of the seamen, named Hore, who adopted their resolution, unfortunately sunk, and another nearly experienced a similar fate. The boatswain (Hawkesley) undertook the second trial to reach the shore with a line, in which he failed, but did not return to the ship. A third attempt was made by a seaman, named McCallister, who was equally unsuccessful. While these operations were going on, the ship, from the weight of her bowsprit and jib-boom, split in a fore and aft direction, and the starboard side of the forecastle immediately sunk. During this, Capt. Greig was nearly lost by a heavy sea breaking over. We were at first apprehensive lest the weight of the anchors should, counteract what we considered would be most conducive to our safety, and about noon thought of cutting away the stoppers and shank-painters, but providentially we were unable to start the anchors, which we afterwards found was the cause of our preservation, by keeping part of the forecastle in its original position. The seamen who remained on board, were about to rig a raft under the lee of the ship, from spars which occasionally were washed round her bow. Having succeeded in lashing together two or three spars, eight of the crew and passengers went on it, and, with the exception of one, reached the shore with great difficulty, in consequence of the offset of the tide, which drifted them out to sea, leaving us under great apprehensions for their safety. About one P.M. that part of the wreck we remained upon began to wash gradually towards shore until about three P.M., when it hung to a rock for an hour or more before we perceived any chance of effecting a landing. During this, our horrors were inexpressible, each expecting the next moment would plunge us into a watery grave, and under this idea we took a supposed last farewell of each other. Thus situated, we remained for some time, when the wreck again moved towards shore, affording us once more a gleam of hope that we might attain it, although from the very heavy swell, great danger still awaited us. About five P.M. we had drifted close enough for those on shore to heave a rope on to the wreck, by which we were enabled to get on shore by watching the drawback of the sea, which left us but a small space of water to wade through; and we were assisted up the beach by those who had previously landed, and had in a great measure recovered their strength.

      Capt. Greig's conduct, from the time the ship struck, deserves every praise, particularly for his determination of continuing on the wreck to the last moment. The crew and passengers assembling together, Capt. Greig inquired if any were missing, and was informed that two were lost; one in swimming, and the other from the raft about thirty minutes after five P.M.

      Night approaching, we retired to the rushes for the night, about fifty yards distant from where we landed, in the distressed state we were in, some of the passengers being without any other clothing than a shirt. Some spirits which had drifted to shore, gave an opportunity to those who first landed to get intoxicated, of which they availed themselves, and thus added to the horrible scene around us. The island affording no shelter, we were exposed to the rain, which fell very heavy during the night. We were unable to obtain any sleep, and were frequently annoyed by such of the crew as were drunk, and by the noise of the chain-cable and anchors striking against the rocks. At daylight, about six A.M., all was confusion, the men shaking off the yoke of subordination, and, assuming an equality with the passengers, which they did not hesitate to avow in direct terms, accompanied by the most opprobrious language.

      Seeing the impossibility of commanding men in such a state, three parties were formed, consisting of the captain and officers, and such of the passengers as were able to explore the island. One party went to the westward, the second to the eastward, and the third over the hills. The first travelled along the beach for the space of about three miles: the sea at length prevented their going farther, and they returned about two P.M., reporting their opinion that the best place for pitching our tents was to the westward, near three large ponds of fresh water, in which many elephants were seen swimming: but the flat ground running off to the westward, being constantly exposed to the wind and weather, as well as inundated and covered with rushes, occasioned some doubt as to the fitness of the situation. About three P.M., the party that had gone to the eastward returned, and reported a more favourable spot about a mile and a quarter east of our present situation, close to a waterfall, and bearing some appearances of fires having been recently made there, which circumstance led them to believe that other persons had been on the island, and made choice of that situation. They had also found the ship's cutter lying high and dry without much apparent injury; also a bale of red cloth, which had drifted from the wreck, which served us for bedding, &c., and protection from the wet ground and the rain, which fell heavily during the night, accompanied with a strong wind from the W. N. W. The third party came back in the evening, bringing with them several roots of wild celery, but had not discovered any place so suitable as that where we had already determined to pass the night.

      Our food this day consisted of penguins and raw beef, which we had picked up. We were unable to make a fire for want of proper instruments, and the dampness of the wood excluded the possibility of obtaining one by friction. Nothing but extreme hunger could have induced us to partake of food in a state so revolting the feelings of a human being. In the evening one of the seamen lost from the raft floated on shore and was buried with the usual ceremony; and although we took every pains with large stones to prevent the sea removing the corpse, we were much shocked a few days after to find the body wholly exposed.

      The next morning, the 25th, at daylight, the passengers and crew were mustered, and a small party was dispatched to get the cutter up above high water mark, and such others as were able were ordered to collect what provisions they could find along the beach. In the course of their search, a cow and two sheep were found, also a ham or two, and a few cheeses: we were farther fortunate in picking up a box of surgeons' instruments, containing a flint and steel, which, with the combustible matter in one of Congreve's rockets, enabled us to make a fire. The iron buoy was brought up this day, and in the afternoon several parts of the wreck came on shore, and also five puncheons of rum and gin, and some cases of wine and beer, and many bales of cloth, which were of infinite service to protect us from the inclemency of the weather. Some penguins were caught this day, which from excessive hunger we were glad to cook in the state in which they were taken, without plucking or cleansing, all being clamorous to share the fire that was kindled. Some clothing came also on shore, but so much cut by the sharpness of the rocks that it was rendered nearly useless. A large quantity of perfumery and distilled waters was taken up, and the sailors, to discover what the bottles contained, broke the necks, expecting to find spirits in them.

      At one P.M. we commenced rigging a tent with canvas and spars from the wreck, and at sunset had finished it sufficiently to protect us in a great measure from the rain, &c. As it was of small dimensions, it would not admit of more than one-third of our number, and even then was very crowded; but every one was anxious to participate in its accommodation: such as could not, occupied casks to shelter themselves for the night. This day, whilst traversing the beach, I picked up Norris's Epitome; and on examining the longitude and latitude of the three islands, found Inaccessible to be the westernmost. On putting some questions to one of the party that attempted the hill, I learnt the bearings of the two islands seen by them, the largest being between north and east, and the other nearly south, which confirmed me in opinion that we were on Inaccessible, and until this I believe it was generally thought that we were on Tristan de Acunha. Miserably as we were off, the fire afforded us much comfort, particularly the ladies, who had suffered extremely from hunger, wet and cold: in fact, several of the passengers were so much exhausted that apparently they were near expiring.

      At daylight, on the 26th, we sent a party over the hills to explore the island: the remainder, such as were able, were ordered to the beach to collect all the provision they could find, and any thing else that might be useful, among which were several cases of surgeons' instruments, with knives, saws, &c., which proved of essential service. Some provisions were brought up, and deposited in a cask for general distribution, agreeably to the Order of Capt. Greig. At two P.M. the party returned from the hills. Having ascended nearly a mile, they found, in the direction they had taken, the impracticability of advancing farther. This day two more tents were completed, which afforded to us and the invalids much comfort. It was now thought necessary to enforce a regulation requiring each individual, whose strength would permit, to bring two loads of ship-wood from the beach daily, while it lasted, that on the island being inefficient for the purpose of cooking. We killed this day three female sea-elephants, near the ponds before-mentioned. The brains, heart and tongues of these we ate, but the flesh of the young ones we took out was far superior to that of the old ones, yet extremely disgusting. This day we cut the iron buoy asunder, and converted it into boilers; made some soup with penguins and wild celery, and found considerable nourishment therefrom, notwithstanding it was very mawkish; being warm, it accorded very well with our famished stomachs. The tin lining of two chests served us for frying-pans; but they lasted only a day or two, leaving us only the two boilers for cooking, and we were apprehensive that these also would soon become useless. Towards evening the body of the seaman Hore, who was lost in swimming, was taken up and buried close to that of his shipmate, with the same ceremony. At night, some of the party were obliged to occupy the casks as before, the three tents not affording sufficient sleeping room for all. The wind blowing strong in the night, caused the covering of the tents to rise and admit the rain, from which we suffered exceedingly.

      At daylight on the 27th we sent out parties as before, with a full determination. to get round the island if possible. But they were again unsuccessful. Anxious, however, to discover any thing that might be of service, they penetrated the rushes to the westward, and hit upon the retreat of the sea elephants, who had settled there for the purpose of bringing forth their young; at the same time they found and brought some wood that had been fired near this spot, leaving on our minds a full conviction that some fishermen had been on the island a short time before, and this idea was further corroborated by our finding a whaler's knife, and the blade of a steering oar. This day we skinned the cow and two sheep, which in our situation we thought tolerably good, but afterwards found to disagree with us very much, as might be expected from their having been drowned, and having remained two days in the sea. The weather now having moderated, we found the health of the sick much improved, although labouring under strong symptoms of dysentery, brought on by want of proper nourishment and rest, both of which we had hitherto been deprived of.

      On the 28th, at daylight, fine weather, wind at N. N. W. with a high surf. We sent some men with the carpenters to remove the cutter still higher, in order to examine her. Unluckily she was found to be considerably injured along the keel and larboard side. The hide of the cow was given to the carpenter, to assist in repairing the boat. This day we raised a temporary flag-staff in front of the tents. Our sick much improved. The party which left this morning, taking with them ropes, &c. for exploring the island by way of the hills, fortunately succeeded in reaching the opposite side with a great deal of difficulty, and returned at 9 P.M., excessively fatigued, and reported having seen vast numbers of sea-elephants on the beach. We this day rigged another tent, and made every exertion to improve the other. We also were employed in getting copper from the ship's bottom, which was high and dry, for making cooking utensils. One of the seamen in a fit of intoxication stove in the head of a puncheon of rum; after which he used it for sleeping in, totally insensible.

      Sunday the 29th, very pleasant weather. At 9 A.M., we assembled together, read prayers, and offered up thanks to the Almighty for our signal deliverance.

      On the 30th, at daylight, all hands on the beach engaged in seeking what remained, the heavy surf having washed off many articles that we had not been able to remove, particularly the cloth and all the wine and spirits, which from this time,. left us destitute of either. A seaman named Harris undertook and began to build a canoe, framing her with wood hoops from the provision casks, covering her with tarred elephant skins. Her extreme length was twenty-four feet by five feet four inches. We got from the wreck several rockets, which, by closing one end with lead, served for small boilers; others stopped with wood answered as cans for oil, which we used for cooking. Some hands were employed in burning ship's timber, to prucure nails for the carpenter.

      Having from this time no means of making any memoranda, for the want of ink and paper, the subsequent relation is given from memory, and may be considered to embrace a general statement of what usually occurred, without reference to any particular elate. Suffering considerable annoyance in the tents from fleas and flies, some of the party raised one on the beach, thus hoping to avoid the nuisance, but on the third or fourth night after its completion, they were suddenly alarmed, while sleeping, by the sea coming in and carrying away a part of it. Others of the seamen who had occupied a tent with several of the gentlemen, induced by some secret motive, raised a separate tent about one hundred yards distant from the general rendezvous. The rest of the sailors followed their example by removing to a distant part of the island, having previously secured sufficient canvas, &c. to re-establish habitations; leaving the Captain, Second Officer, Doctor, and passengers to shift for themselves, of whom the major part were very unwell. Fourteen of the seamen who had united and separated from the rest, requested one of the kettles, which the Captain and passengers acceded to, by granting the smallest of the two that we had, which did not hold more than the proportion their number entitled them to; but hearing dissatisfaction existed among the others, he called them together, and explained his motives for complying with their demand, upon which they unanimously refused to assist in the ordinary employments assigned them by the Captain: at the same time offering to do every thing for him and his son, leaving the passengers to provide for themselves. This was rejected, and the line of conduct they pursued called forth a strong remonstrance from the second officer, who had determined to remain by his Captain and passengers in their feeble state: this, however, had no effect, consequently the passengers were obliged to act entirely for themselves. Although they offered from £8 to £10 per month for assistance in getting food only, the terms were refused, with the observation "that the island Inaccessible carried no passengers, and that all were on one footing."

      A boat on the principle of West India batteaux, was undertaken and completed by the ship's cook, a native of the West Indies: the weather, however, continuing bad, it could not be launched. Prior to this boat being finished, the penguins had come on shore to deposit their eggs, which were very numerous, in so much that at daylight, noon, and three P.M., each individual might collect from four to six dozen. They remained on the island for a month or thereabout, affording us much relief, and contributing greatly to the restoration of our health and strength: their departure was as sudden as their arrival, and equally unexpected, to our great sorrow. The elephants also took to the sea, which left us with the forlorn prospect of being destitute of food, when the store we had accumulated should be expended, until the season of their return. The impression on our minds at the dreaded scarcity began to he visible in every countenance, and we also experienced great inconvenience from the want of wild celery, which could not now be had without great difficulty, it being necessary to ascend the hill on the brink of precipices, at the imminent danger of our lives, to gather the few remaining roots. While the abovementioned boat was building, a second, upon the same principle, was laid down, and finished within a day or two of the other. A third was also begun by the carpenter on a larger scales similar to the other, with the exception of her head and stern running in. About a week after the female elephants had emigrated, the males made their appearance for the purpose of shedding their coats. This dissipated our fears of absolute starvation while they remained; and their skins afforded us materials for covering the canoe, and proved serviceable also for shoes.

      We were farther relieved by numerous shoals of peterills, which succeeded the penguins, and were easily caught; but they were transient in their stay, as they quitted with the male elephants in about eight or ten days; this again excited a renewal of our fears for our future sustenance.

      In September we launched the first boat, which answered uncommonly well for fishing, in which we were very successful. Our hooks consisted of nails turned, and the nets were made from the rigging of the wreck, of which we had an ample supply. Two days after we endeavoured to launch the second boat, but could not, owing to the sea running too high; we succeeded, however, on the following morning, in launching both boats for the general benefit. After this the seamen availed themselves of every favourable occasion to launch the boats, but were obliged to solicit the assistance of the passengers to haul them on shore again, which favour was returned by their giving each a small quantity of fish in the most contemptuous manner. At this time our situation was improved by an increase of our tents.

      A short time before this, the carpenter's boat and canoe being finished, a fourth boat was laid down, and soon completed by the second officer and some of the passengers. On making trial of the carpenter's boat, we found her too crank, and made the necessary alteration by placing another plank in her bottom, which answered very well. Having now four boats and a canoe fit for use, they were launched for fishing as often as the weather would permit. These boats did very well along shore, but could not be fully depended on to risk the voyage in contemplation, as the only tools used in their construction, were a hand-saw, an old chisel, and a bolt as a substitute for a hammer, with a port hinge rubbed to an edge instead of an axe.

      Early in October, Mrs. Pepper having been recommended to take exercise, we were absent for several hours, during which time some person or persons took the opportunity of entering our tent, and purloining a box containing a gold chronometer, chain, three seals, a ring, and a key, a purse with eight guineas, and two pounds in silver, with various other articles, value altogether about £170; which, after the most diligent inquiry and search, were never recovered. This circumstance needs no comment, but shews sufficiently the vile disposition of some of the crew.

      On the following morning the cook's bateau was launched; and he embarked in it with five seamen, hoping to reach Tristan de Acunha. The vessel continued in sight an hour after, when she suddenly disappeared, and the weather becoming squally, we were apprehensive that some accident had befallen them; and this was afterwards confirmed, as they never reached their destination.

      Two days after, a party being on the hill, observed a ship standing off and on Tristan de Acunha Bay. The next morning an endeavour was made to launch the carpenter's boat, with a view to gain that island. In our attempt the boat was nearly lost. About a fortnight or more having elapsed without our receiving any intelligence from Tristan de Acunha, we resolved to make another attempt to launch the carpenter's boat; the fineness of the morning promising a fair day. The party which embarked in it succeeded in reaching Tristan de Acunha at sunset. Upon landing, the crew were overjoyed at meeting with a man named Glass, formerly a corporal in his Majesty's artillery drivers. This man and several of the inhabitants volunteered their services with two whale boats, to convey the passengers and remaining crew across. This succour arrived on Inaccessible on the 10th Nov., bringing with them a small quantity of potatoes, butter, milk, and biscuit; a proportion of which being issued for the day, the residue was reserved for those who were destined to stay behind. On the 11th, the Captain, his son, and the married persons were the first appointed to quit Inaccessible, and although the morning appeared very unfavourable, we determined to risk the voyage, which was attended by squally winds and frequent calms.

      We left Inaccessible at 7 A.M., and arrived at Tristan de Acunha at 2, 30 P.M., when we were gratified beyond the power of expression, to see something approaching in appearance to domestic comfort.

      On the 18th and 25th, other successful efforts were made, and the safe removal of all was accomplished, although the last trip was attended by a most violent gale from the N. W. One of the boats was obliged to part company, and take shelter under the lee of the island, where the crew, &c. underwent considerable sufferings for two or three days, living only on fish, which they caught on the rocks. On our arrival at Tristan de Acunha, an agreement was made with Mr. Glass for board and lodging, at 2s. sterling per diem. During our stay, the passengers were frequently engaged in shooting, the island affording a plentiful number of wild pigs and goats, which were difficult to be got at, and consequently their exertions were not attended with much success. The wide difference between our present lot and the late conduct of the crew occasioned feelings of disgust, and enhanced the value of the favours rendered to us; nor is it possible to convey a just idea or conception of what passed in our breasts, on seeing the boat with the last of our unfortunate companions on the shore of Tristan de Acunha. Our feelings choked utterance, and it was with tears of mutual sympathy that we embraced each other.

      About five weeks after the first party landed, a ship was seen passing the island, hull up, wind blowing a strong westerly gale; but the island being enveloped by fog, prevented, we presume, their noticing the signals we made. This ship we have since learnt was the Hyperion frigate, bound to the Cape. Observing her passing by without touching, occasioned a renewal of desponding fears, which were undiminished until the 10th of Jan. 1822, when the Nerinae, Capt. David Lauchlan, hove in sight at 11 A.M., on a calm and beautiful day. We immediately dispatched a boat to make known our deplorable situation. While the boat was making for the brig, we anxiously noticed the manœuvres caused by the baffling winds until 5 P.M., by which time she had sufficiently reached into the bay to enable us to see the boat leaving her. Previous to this Captain Greig and son, and a young passenger, had left the shore in another boat, with instructions from the passengers to negociate on the best terms an agreement for their conveyance to the Cape of Good Hope. Before this boat had reached the ship, Captain Lauchlan had left his vessel and landed. Feeling a true sense of our distresses, he immediately offered to receive the whole of us, on terms that convinced us that gain was not the motive which actuated him, and his subsequent attention, and sacrifice of personal comforts for our accommodation, demand an acknowledgment of our most unqualified gratitude. Having arranged with Mr. Glass, we embarked the same evening, and were received with great kindness by the officer in charge, Captain Lauchlan being engaged on shore in procuring supplies, rendered necessary by the augmentation of his number. On the following morning at 1O, a heavy swell coming on from the N. W. indicated a gale, and it was deemed prudent to weigh anchor and stand off and on. No sooner was the anchor up than what we anticipated took place, and our attempts to keep the island on board were baffled, in consequence of a strong set to the eastward, and we were compelled to leave behind, with much regret, six seamen and a female servant, also thirteen casks of water. At noon, the east end bearing south, we made sail for the Cape, and after an excellent voyage arrived there on the 21st January 1822, comprising a term of six calendar months, within two days, from the time of our unfortunate shipwreck.

      While on Tristan de Acunha we undertook to build a vessel of twelve tons from the fragments of the Julia wrecked on that island. It may be remarked as a singular coincidence, that the Nerinae left the Cape of Good Hope for South America, on the same day and about the same hour when the Blenden Hall first struck.

      After undergoing such a multiplied series of misfortunes, in which I was more than others particularly interested on account of Mrs. Pepper's critical situation, I cannot close this narrative without publicly expressing my humble and sincere gratitude to Divine Providence, which supported and carried us through such imminent perils, and adding our united tribute of thanks to those who generously contributed to our comforts, both at Tristan de Acunha and at the Cape.

(Signed) JOHN PEPPER.      

      N. B. The island Inaccessible is about thirteen miles in circumference, and when viewed from the sea presents a flat top. It principally consists of rock, which in some few places is covered with soil of good quality, and the sides are partially interspersed with rushes and low trees. Although a considerable supply of oil and seal skins may be obtained in the months of December and January, yet the almost insuperable difficulties and dangers attending vessels off this and the neighbouring islands supersede the comparative advantage. The narrator farther recommends all masters of ships to be cautious in approaching these islands, as in running with the wind to the N. of W., which usually prevails, together with the dense fog that covers them, they are subject to great danger.