Part 2 Chapter 16 Summary

Captain Nemo coolly makes the calculation that they have less than forty-eight hours to live. They will be suffocated when their air supply runs out. There is also the possibility they will be crushed to death. What they will try to do is crush the ice at its thinnest point. He will find that point by sound. The crew of the Nautilus dons cork jackets. Ned Land offers to help with his harpoon; Captain Nemo gives permission.

The men use picks and screws to break through at a point where the ice is ten yards thick. When a piece breaks off, it floats upwards and thus makes it thicker at the top. Aronnax joins the work, which helps keep him warm. The air in the Nautilus is as bad as breathing through apparatus.

After twelve hours, the crew has only gone...