Why?
In my belief, it was because the earthquake had rendered the island uninhabitable.

Now, they would only have required a native boat to gain either another island or some point of the Antarctic continent by the aid of the southern current.

I hardly hesitate to assert that all this has occurred; but in any case, I know, and I repeat, that we shall have done nothing if we do not persevere in the search on which the safety of your countrymen depends." I questioned my audience by a searching look.

No answer.
Captain Len Guy, whose emotion was unrestrained, bowed his head, for he felt that I was right, that by invoking the duties of humanity I was prescribing the only course open to men with feeling hearts.
"And what is in question ?" I continued, after the silent pause.
"To accomplish a few degrees of latitude, and that while the sea is open, while we have two months of good weather to look for, and nothing to fear from the southern winter.

I certainly should not ask you to brave its severity.