USS VINCENNES in pack ice - Captain Charles Wilkes commanding.
On the Antarctic shelf, Wilkes sounded with copper wire in 400 fathoms.
First use of wire instead of hemp sounding line.
Copper too ductile and would break - gave up on idea
Image ID: theb3771, Voyage To Inner Space - Exploring the Seas With NOAA Collect Location: Wilkes Land, Antarctica Photo Date: 1840 Credit: NOAA Central Library
