It's a powerful and disturbing moment, filled with both fear and fascination. Here's what happens:
* The crew is sailing in the Arctic when they see a giant, monstrous figure on an ice floe.
* They are initially confused and scared, but the creature approaches their ship, holding a dead body (which turns out to be the body of the explorer, Robert Walton).
* The creature's appearance is described as "hideous" and "ghastly." It's tall and thin, with pale, dead-looking skin, black, lifeless eyes, and long, black hair.
This encounter is crucial because it marks the first time the creature truly interacts with other humans outside of his initial encounters with Victor Frankenstein. It also foreshadows the creature's loneliness, desperation, and the tragedy that will unfold throughout the story.