On February 14th 1899, the Belgica was freed
from the ice after trenches were dug to help speed the melting of
the ice around the ship, she is seen here two days later. It would
still be another month however before the ice split to reveal a gap
to the open ocean so allowing the Belgica to escape properly.
In: "Resultats du Voyage du S. Y. BELGICA en 1897-1898-1899
.... Oceanographie Les Glaces Glace de Mer et Banquises" par Henryk
Arctowski. 1908. P. 55. Plate I.
Picture courtesy NOAA
