The Aurora Australis has arrived in Fremantle after completing a 10-day voyage from Mawson research station.
The ship, which was carrying essential personnel only, arrived in Fremantle at 5:30pm (WST) today (Saturday, 12 March).
The Aurora Australis will remain in Fremantle while science samples and cargo are unloaded.
Following the completion of cargo operations, P&O Maritime will undertake additional assessments on the ship to determine the extent of the repairs required. A suitable dry dock location will then be decided.
The Aurora Australis will return to its home port of Hobart following the completion of repairs.
Expeditioners left at Mawson station as a result of the ship’s grounding are currently en route to Casey research station on the Japanese icebreaker, Shirase.
The Shirase will arrive at Casey research station today (Saturday, 12 March), and the expeditioners will be flown home in the coming days, subject to suitable weather.
The Australian Antarctic Division continues to work on securing an alternative vessel for the annual resupply mission to Macquarie Island which is scheduled to take place later this month.