Settlement

14 January 2008
As the steam barrier around the North Sea Island is dissipating, the first individual explorers are moving in. Encouraged by the recent German expedition, a group of fishermen from Iceland have made a permanent base of operations on the island's shore as they explore the island's inland. Most national science foundations believe that the conditions are still not stable enough for deep exploration such as the Icelanders are performing. However, the new land is at present unclaimed, so there are no regulations.
The explorers are lead by the brothers Ian and Hans Mindrim. In a brief interview, Hans stated, "All of my party members know the dangers of this unexplored land, but we are all drawn by pure curiosity. We see this new land as an opportunity for a new start and new discoveries." So far, there have been no reported findings or casualties from the group. As safety measures, the group wears gas masks and protective clothing.

The search for the missing submarine, Manta Ray, is still underway. The US has openly announced its massive search operation. No hazardous material has been reported in the Sea thus far.

-- United Kingdom newspaper excerpt