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FALL 2014
T
here we were, hanging over the bow
of the boat, some five levels above
the sea. You could not miss us there,
all 50 guests wearing their rescue-
red overcoats and overlooking the
Antarctica mainland as we crossed the milestone of
the polar circle. The sea was slick and calm, the sky
overcast, and there were many icebergs around.
I was standing there with my tripod, my case full
of Canon digital-camera bodies and an assortment
of lenses, expecting something to happen. The light
and view shifted as the vessel started turning around,
so I prepared my gear: I propped my tripod on my
shoulder, and with my Pelican case in my dominant
right hand I reached for the staircase with my left.
Unfortunately, the rail was covered in ice. It was
no surprise considering where we were, but as soon
as I grabbed onto it with my left hand I realized how
precarious it was. Without a good grip, I shifted the
equipment in my hand, lifted my leg to step down and
immediately realized I was in trouble. To save myself I let
go of the camera case with all of my precious gear, but
even that was not enough to prevent my fall. Soon I was
rolling down the stairway on a moving ship in Antarctica.
My instincts kicked in. I tucked my head to my chest,
one hand over my face and the other over my head,
subconsciously hoping to minimize injury. I was falling
uncontrollably down over the metal steps. The first time
I hit the ladder it was painful; after the second time I did
not recall anything more. I was out. Unconscious.
When I woke up I was lying on the iron-cold
passageway with a familiar face by my side. It was Goran,
the co-leader of the expedition. He was smiling, but his
blue eyes were saying something else — he was obviously
concerned. He was talking to me, but I could not hear
or understand him. I tried to stand up, but it was only
when Goran put his hand on me to hold me back that
I felt the warmth spreading down my face against that
cold passageway. My head was bleeding, and from the
growing pool of blood I realized how badly I was hurt.
A few minutes later the ship’s doctor arrived with a
stretcher and moved me to the ship’s clinic. After the
T E X T A N D P H O T O S B Y A M O S N A C H O U M
DAN to the Rescue: Out of Antarctica
RESEARCH, EDUCATION & MEDICINE
//
D A N WA S T H E R E F O R ME
As his ship crossed the Antarctic circle,
Amos Nachoum slipped on the icy deck,
hitting his head. His injuries were severe,
and he needed to be in a hospital.
