1.4.1936 Pacific Ocean 53°11’S, 78°40’W 182nd. day at sea
After leaving the S.S. “Afrika” Schiff 30 sailed south on 5.3. a British formation consisting of 8 freighters and 3 destroyers were sighted Schiff 30 steered clear of these vessels. Kapitan.z.S Hartmann is not sure what or where the formation was transporting or sailing to. Two days later on 7.3. The Equator was crossed the Equator Crossing Ceremony was carried out that same day. Now begins the long trek south towards Cape Horn. By 10.3. Schiff 30 was west of Ascension Island. 4 days later the British South America Squadron was sighted of St. Helena Island after this sighting no further sightings have been logged.
Kapitan.z.S Hartmann intended to use the seaplane extensively in the South Atlantic but periods of bad weather and the two sightings with warships convinced the Kommandant not to use his seaplane hopefully the aircraft will be see flying time in the Pacific. The days passed aboard the H.K. without excitement the typical shipboard routine, the usual entertainment whether it be watching a film in Hold Nr. III, playing deck games, or just roaming the decks it quickly became monotonous. The Division Officers were instructed by the Kommandant to find ways of keeping the crew’s spirits up with new activities.
Today Schiff 30 rounded Cape Horn and entered the Pacific in partly cloudy skies freshening winds and rough seas. Hartmann plans to stop at various Islands along the way to allow the crew some shore leave and if the Island is inhabited trade with the locals.
Schiff 30 is on course 305° bound for Yokohama (12 knots, 1 engine.)
