After attempts to dig ice caves, the men built a hut from the Dudley Docker and the Stancomb-Wills - two life boats - supported on a stone wall reinforced with tent fabric. It was about five feet high, and the men slept on the pebble floor or in hammocks suspended from the roof. Later refinements included a chimney and two small windows. This provided the shelter for the Elephant Island Party for 4 1/2 months.