Couldn’t let it drown

The crew had meticulously calculated the risks before launching the lifeboat, confident in their belief that the boat’s elevation above the water would deter any attempt by the polar bear to board. This assurance was rooted in their understanding of the animal’s capabilities, yet the unpredictable nature of wildlife loomed as an unspoken caveat in their plans.

The realization that the polar bear might not have a nearby ice platform to retreat to alleviated some of the crew’s immediate concerns about the animal’s safety, yet a residual nervousness lingered. They understood the gravity of the situation: leaving the bear to fend for itself in the open water wasn’t an option. This sense of responsibility towards the creature underscored their determination to find a solution, despite the uncertainty that clouded their next steps.