[Life Raft Map of the North Atlantic Ocean]

A scarce World War II lifeboat chart of the North Atlantic.

This uncommon and somewhat unusual chart of the North Atlantic Ocean was issued in London by the Navigators and Engineer Officers Union in 1942. The treated textile base is overprinted with information on prevailing winds and ocean currents across the hotly contested region, heavily trafficked by merchant convoys and U-boats alike. Details in the lower right aid in deciphering the wind roses across each section. Text on the verso provides average fog conditions across the North Atlantic during each of the twelve months of the year.

The map was designed to be used as a last-ditch effort for sailors and merchant marines lost at sea. It was probably included in the supplies on a lifeboat in hopes that the rudimentary details would be of some assistance in finding friendly shores or a shipping lane. The image is based on information provided by the U.S. Navy Hydrographic Office, which also issued (more common) pilot charts of the North Atlantic.

Scarce and unlisted in WorldCat as of May 2024. Surprisingly, this is the only example I have seen available on the market and little information is readily available about its use and distribution.