Hapgood Expedition

From Wild Southwest Wiki

The Hapgood Expedition was an ambitious attempt to explore the waters east of Cape Le Grand, departing Albany on 17th August 2089 aboard the Desert Jaxx. Commanded and funded by industrialist Terrance Hapgood, it passed out of radio range one week later and was never heard from again.

The Desert Jaxx

The expedition ship was the Desert Jaxx a customised vessel fitted out by Hapgood with a number of features intended to facilitate exploration.

The hull was double layered and highly compartmentalised to minimise the risk of sinking were it to be holed. In addition the vessel was designed to be as positively buoyant as possible - even if all compartments were breached it would remain afloat for several hours before sinking.

The vessel was outfitted with a complete workshop, capable of repairing any of the ship's systems without external help or materials. Extensive water tanks were located throughout the hull and a powerful distillation plant was installed, capable of producing ten litres of fresh water a day under ideal conditions.

Many of the ship's systems (in particular the sails and rigging) were semi-automated, allowing Hapgood to select a much smaller crew than would usually be considered necessary. This allowed more room for supplies and equipment.

Hapgood claimed that when fully stocked the Jaxx could sail for two months without resupplying.

The Expedition

The aim of the expedition was to explore the coast east of Cape Le Grand, with particular notice being taken of any water sources or signs of civilisation. If possible Hapgood hoped to cross the Great Australian Bight and make landfall in South Australia before turning around and returning to Albany.

The Jaxx left Albany Harbour on the morning of August 17th 2089. Assisted by strong westerlies it reached Bremer Bay in two days. The crew refilled the water tanks and took on extra food and supplies before continuing eastwards on the 21st. On the 23rd a radio message was received indicating the ship had passed Cape Le Grand, that sailing conditions were favourable and the crew was in high spirits. This was the last communication ever received from the expedition.

Fate of the Expedition

In the years since the loss of the expedition, several theories have been put forward as to its fate. The most likely is that the Jaxx was simply wrecked somewhere along the coast of the Bight, although pirates and even sea monsters have been advanced as causes. In 2093 some wave worn timbers were discovered washed up on Observatory Island in the Recherche Archipelago. These were advanced as wreckage from the Jaxx, however the boat builders who fitted out the ship rejected this claim, pointing out that they were the wrong sort of timber.

An expedition to find the Jaxx has been suggested on several occasions, however no one has been willing to put forward funding for such an expensive and perilous enterprise.