South Georgia Island & Grytviken

In The Hesperus Prophecy, the SS Valencia’s destination is South Georgia Island. The ship is not designed for prolonged sub-zero conditions, therefore it docks at Grytviken Harbor while the Clypeate transfers to a local whaling vessel, the FV Melville. Properly equipped, the Clypeate continues its mission to Antarctica, seeking out the MS Schwabenland.

South Georgia Island is part of Great Britain’s SGSSI overseas territory, which also includes the South Sandwich Islands. The island is 106 miles long and 22 miles wide, with mountainous terrain. Grytviken sits protected inside one of the northern coast’s numerous bays.

Since its discovery in 1675, South Georgia Island has functioned as a whale and seal hunting base, although Grytviken no longer has permanent residents as whale populations have diminished.

Red-yellow arrow points to South Georgia Island and the South Sandwich Islands (circled in red)

Satellite image of South Georgia Island, with images of Grytviken Harbor below.