After Shackleton left with the James Caird, Frank Wild took command of the Elephant Island party, some of whom were in a low state, physically or mentally: Lewis Rickinson had suffered a suspected heart attack; Blackborow was unable to walk, due to frostbitten feet; Hudson was mentally depressed.
Efter Shackleton tog af sted med James Caird, overtog Frank Wild kommandoen af gruppen på Elephant Island, hvoraf nogle var i dårlig fysisk og psykisk forfatning: Lewis Rickinson havde været udsat for et formodet hjerteanfald; Blackborow kunne ikke gå på grund af forfrysninger i fødderne, og Hudson led af en depression.