 The purpose of the stop was to obtain water and fresh stores and to make repairs to the "Seeadler"'s hull after a long journey through the Atlantic Ocean and around South America.Since SMS "Seeadler" was too large to enter Mopelia lagoon, she was anchored on the outside of the atoll.After a short time, rough seas and wind caused the "Seeadler" to run aground on Mopelia's reef, leaving von Luckner and about 50 others marooned.